LSU Tigers, Purdue Boilermakers slated to meet in Citrus Bowl

The LSU Tigers are headed to the Citrus Bowl to take on the Purdue Boilermakers.

Slated for a 1 p.m. ET on ABC on Jan. 2, the game will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

It’s been a roller coaster season under Brian Kelly’s watch for his inaugural season in Baton Rouge, beginning with the low of a loss to Florida State and reaching a zenith by defeating Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Regardless, the Tigers will be looking to defeat the Boilermakers and end their season on a high note.

After the Crimson Tide and capturing the SEC West, LSU has dreams of making the College Football Playoff, but those were dashed by a loss to Texas A&M and another to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Nevertheless, LSU has laid a foundation that Kelly hopes carries them for years to come.

Meanwhile, Purdue suffered defeat at the hands of Michigan during the Big Ten Championship Game, which they catapulted themselves to after an 8-4 regular season and capturing the Big Ten West crown. The Boilermakers were only down one point at halftime against the Wolverines, but watched Michigan cruise to a 43-22 victory over the second half of the game.

Last season, Kentucky represented the SEC in the Citrus Bowl, finding victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes as the Wildcats hoisted the trophy at the end of the showdown. LSU last won the Citrus Bowl in 2016, while Purdue has never found victory in the game, instead falling to Georgia in the 2004 version of the event.

Alas, the game could mark the end of longtime Boilermakers’ quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s time with the program, as the senior has been with the program for over four seasons. Passing for 3,490 yards and 22 touchdowns throughout the season, time will tell what he decides to do following the game.

As for LSU, star quarterback Jayden Daniels’ health has been called into question and he even had to sit for most of the SEC Championship Game, but with ample time to get ready for Purdue it remains to be seen if he’s able to suit up.

It’s going to be a fun one when LSU and Purdue matchup in the Citrus Bowl, but only one team can end their season with a victory.