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Ed Orgeron talks two defining moments of Joe Burrow's career at LSU

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh02/08/22griffin_mcveigh
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Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron and quarterback Joe Burrow celebrates after defeating Alabama in 2019. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Joe Burrow went from backup at Ohio State to national champion and Heisman Trophy winner at LSU within the span of two seasons. With the help of head coach Ed Orgeron, Burrow became one of the best young quarterbacks in football, even with his unusual career path.

During an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on Tuesday morning, host Cole Cubelic asked Orgeron if the huge hit Burrow took during the 2019 Fiesta Bowl was a turning point in the quarterback’s career. The former LSU coach said that was one, along with a couple of other big wins over a two-year stretch in Baton Rouge.

“That was a big part of it,” Orgeron said. “Going back a little bit, Cole, our win against Georgia. At home, Georgia was ranked No. 2. As a quarterback, you have to win the big games. There are two games that define that. He beat Georgia and then obviously, he beat Alabama at Alabama. But when he got it, we were down 14-0 and we came back and scored three touchdowns. That defines his toughness, that defines his character, and he proved to the team that they can count on him under any circumstance.”

Burrow did not have the best statistical day against Georgia, only completing 50% of his passes for 200 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He did get in for two rushing touchdowns and LSU controlled the game from the second quarter on.

However, Burrow’s performance against Alabama in Tuscaloosa is when he truly became the player he is today. He led the Tigers team into Bryant Denny Stadium without an ounce of fear, making clutch play after clutch play.

LSU had not been able to get over the Nick Saban hump for nearly a decade at that point and Burrow helped them reach the national championship. That performance alone saw Burrow skyrocket up NFL draft boards to the No. 1 overall pick.

As for the UCF hit, Burrow was rocked by defensive lineman Joey Connors after throwing an interception. He responded by throwing four touchdowns in the game itself and then winning 16 consecutive games. A true turning point.

Now, Joe Burrow is with the Cincinnati Bengals, hoping to win his second championship in three years. He will have to get past another college football standout in Matthew Stafford, as they face off against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 56.