No Leonard Fournette, no problem.
So much has been made over Fournette deciding against playing in LSU's bowl game over the last few weeks that many people overlooked the fact that LSU has another really good running back on its roster that's done just fine filling in for a banged-up Fournette all season long. Derrius Guice, who led the Tigers in rushing this season, had another big game in LSU's 29-9 win over Louisville in the Citrus Bowl on Saturday.
Guice finished with 138 yards rushing, 11 yards receiving and two total touchdowns. His biggest play came in the third quarter when Guice broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run to let Louisville know that it wouldn't be working its way into the game any time soon.
As impressive as that touchdown run was, however, it was Louisville's kicker who felt Guice's biggest impact.
You see, Guice also returns kicks for LSU -- he finished with 81 yards on three returns -- and he returned one for 50 yards before Louisville's Blanton Creque selflessly sacrificed life and limb to try and stop him.
It worked, but at what cost?
Guice wasn't the only Tiger to dominate Louisville in the game. The entire LSU defense made life hell for the Louisville offensive line, and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson in particular. Jackson finished the day completing only 10 of his 27 passes for 153 yards and no touchdowns. Jackson wasn't able to do anything with his legs, either, finishing with 33 yards on 26 carries with a fumble lost.
Jackson was sacked eight times on the day, including three times by Tashawn Bower and twice by Arden Key. Key's second sack of the game gave him 12 on the year, which is a new LSU record for sacks in a season.