Joe Burrow Cements His Legacy Following Historic CFP Performance

On May 20, 2018, Joe Burrow made a life-changing decision. For two seasons at Ohio State, Burrow was the back-up quarterback to J.T. Barrett. When he realized that Dwayne Haskins would be named starter for the 2018 season, Burrow transferred to LSU. On May 20, Burrow became a Tiger. Over a year later, he is now one of the best college football players the world has ever seen.

Last night, the final notch was added to Burrow’s incredible collegiate resume. In 2019, he was a unanimous All-American, the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, and the Heisman Trophy winner. But none of these awards compare to the title of a College Football National Championship. LSU defeated Clemson 42-25, courtesy of a dominant comeback performance led by Burrow. With the win, Burrow becomes the 16^th Heisman winner to also win the national championship.

Burrow’s typical offensive onslaught came out in full force once again, as he finished the night with six touchdowns. He scored 60 touchdowns this season, becoming the single season record holder for the most pass touchdowns. However, his superhuman abilities were tested in the first quarter of play.

Undefeated Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers started off strong, scoring first following a one-yard touchdown run by Lawrence. Excluding a 52-yard pass from Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase which tied the game at 7, Clemson dominated the first 20 minutes of play. Who knew that coming from behind was just another one of Joe Burrow’s talents.

Down 17-7 with just under ten minutes remaining in the first half, Burrow completed a 56-yard pass to Chase to put the Tigers on the Clemson three-yard line. Chase finished the night with 221 yards on nine catches, with two touchdowns. This was his third game with over 220 receiving yards. On third and goal, Burrow ran the ball in himself, cutting the lead to three. That touchdown sparked a 21-0 run for the Tigers, giving them a 28-17 lead at the half.

After being down by double digits for the first time all season, Burrow took charge and proved to his team that he is the most efficient quarterback college football has ever seen. He made the deep passes, took the big hits, and ran the ball effectively to bring the Tigers back into this game. Right when Dabo Swinney and this Clemson team looked invincible, Burrow reminded the world why he received all of those honors.

Burrow finished the night with 463 passing yards and 58 key rushing yards, breaking Deshaun Watson’s previous records in a CFP title game for passing yards and total yards, respectively. He was responsible for 65 touchdowns, setting the FBS single season record. He also threw for 5,671 yards this season, setting the SEC record and tying Case Keenum’s total in 2009 for the third most yards in college football history.

Is there anything Joe Burrow cannot do? He beat the reigning champions with the 25-0 Trevor Lawrence, made the world a little teary-eyed during his Heisman speech, and has locked his spot as the no. 1 draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Most importantly, he earned all of his success by betting on himself.

Three years ago, the junior quarterback from Athens, Ohio was not satisfied being a back-up quarterback. He transferred to LSU, and with the help of head coach Ed Orgeron, immortalized himself as a Louisiana superstar. On May 20, 2018, Joe Burrow knew that he could be a successful college football quarterback. On January 13, 2020, now we all know it too.