NEW ORLEANS — In December, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was presented the 2019 Heisman Trophy with a historic margin of victory. Additionally, he also won the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Player of the Year awards as well. However, despite a historic season in Baton Rouge, Burrow’s rise to glory was not as simple as he made it seem.
Burrow has overcome adversity to become the number one quarterback in the nation. He started his collegiate career in his home state of Ohio at Ohio State where he was, statistically, pedestrian at best.
It was the decision to transfer to LSU that allowed him to shine. Although the 2018 season was not great for Burrow, through willpower and determination he kept pushing himself and his teammates harder.
A huge moment for Burrow was at the 2018 Fiesta Bowl. Burrow threw an interception and was laid out by UCF’s Joey Connors while running after the defensive back. For a moment, you could tell he was not alright but he fought through the pain because he knew he needed to get up and win the game with his teammates. That moment was big, not only did it show Burrow’s drive and passion, it showed his teammates that he can take a big hit and get up and win the game.
In the 2019 season, Burrow had the best season of his young career. He has 5,208 yards of total offense and 55 total touchdowns including four rushing touchdowns. It seems as though he is an unstoppable force, however, a lot of his success is not just his own. He has amazing talent around him as well as a coach who is getting a second chance. Burrow is dedicated to his craft and loves to watch game film to consistently be steps ahead of his opponents.
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron came into this program and turned it into a National Championship contender again. When you have talents such as Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, to name a few, it is no wonder that Burrow can shine so brightly on such a talented team. Orgeron said he values Burrow’s competitive fire and that is a big part of what helps drive him and the rest of the team.
When asked about what was at stake in Monday night’s national championship game, Burrow said, “It’s all on the line. This is the national championship. This is what we thought we would do at the beginning of the year. This is what we expected. We just got to finish it off.” Additionally, Burrow stated, “We’re 14-0. That’s exactly where we expected to be. I just try to do anything I can to win games, whether it’s [throwing] for 500 yards or throw for 150 yards. Doesn’t matter to me, as long as we win.”
When Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked about Burrow, he said “He’s special. He really is. It’s just kind of…just as a coach, it makes you sick watching the tape because he just rarely makes a mistake. He’s always a step ahead”. Those words from coach Swinney are a huge accolade for the young quarterback.
When asked about the matchup ahead of LSU, Burrow stated, “I think we’re going to be ready for [Clemson]. I think they’re a really good team, have a lot of speed, have a good plan. But I think it’s going to be a big challenge for us. I think we’ll be ready.”
Photo Credit: James Gilbert
