The LSU Tigers Bowl Projections for 2017 have the team going numerous potential places. LSU finished the regular season with a 9-3 record. Under Ed Orgeron, the Tigers put forth a successful 2017 season. They fell short of winning meaningful games that would have put them in the SEC Championship Game. And who can forget that devastating loss to Troy in late September? But LSU has high hopes heading into bowl season.
LSU Bowl Projections
The Tigers are projected to play in a Florida bowl game, at least by numerous media outlets. Some have them playing in Tampa, while others have them playing in Orlando. LSU would match-up fairly well in either game, though. The Tigers have a strong team and can finish off the season on a high note with a big win. Though they didn’t make the SEC Championship or College Football Playoff, the Tigers still have a lot to look back on.
Citrus Bowl: Notre Dame
The Citrus Bowl match-up against Notre Dame has become the most likely option. Numerous media outlets have projected the Tigers to play the Irish, who finished the season 9-3. Last Word On College Football’s Jason Rhea also projected this match-up, which you can find here: https://lastwordoncollegefootball.com/2017/11/27/last-word-college-football-2017-bowl-projections-championship-week/ This would be a rematch of the 2014 Music City Bowl, in which LSU lost to the Irish, 31-28. Notre Dame used two quarterbacks in that game and threw the Tigers off guard.
Citrus Bowl: Michigan State
The second Citrus Bowl match-up pits LSU against Michigan State. The Spartans had a solid 2017 campaign, but fell short of a Big Ten title berth. This game would put LSU on their heels. Tigers running back Derrius Guice could play his final game as a member of the LSU Football team during the bowl game. Many outlets have predicted this match-up, but it is second likely behind Notre Dame.
Citrus Bowl: Virginia Tech
Another Citrus Bowl match-up against Virginia Tech would be deemed suitable for LSU. Playing an ACC team that has a stellar quarterback in Josh Jackson would have the defense playing at their best. The Hokies are under second year head coach Justin Fuente, who has continued the success that legendary VT coach Frank Beamer established.
Outback Bowl: Michigan
The Outback Bowl match-up would pit the Tigers against Michigan. The Wolverines have already beaten one SEC team in Florida, on opening weekend. But this Tigers team is better than the Gators team that Michigan saw in Dallas. This match-up potentially could be back and forth, and could end in a close game.
Final Game to a Successful Season
In all, LSU is projected to compete in a bowl game in sunny South Florida in late December. The Tigers’ 9-3 record could pit them against common opponents with the same record. The bowl game will be the final game for Danny Etling, Darrel Williams, among other seniors. Derrius Guice could return for 2018. Although his decision will not come until after the bowl game.
Any of the four match-ups would be quality games to end a successful 2017 season.
