LSU Tigers: The top 5 moments that defined the 2022 football season

The 2022 LSU Tigers finished 10-4 with an SEC West title and Citrus Bowl win in Brian Kelly’s first season. The year provided fans with relief as LSU football flashed the potential of a return to prominence.

Upon reminiscing the season that was, we’ve identified the moments that defined the 2022 Fighting Tigers. And, we’re starting at the very beginning, before the calendar year turned over.

5. LSU Tigers hire Brian Kelly as head coach

Brian Kelly agreed to become the 32nd head coach in LSU football history in late November 2021. The news shocked many fans, particularly in South Bend, where few realized Kelly was negotiating with LSU. Kelly served as Notre Dame head coach for 12 years following his stints at Cincinnati and Central Michigan. The Irish accomplished seven 10-win seasons under Kelly, including two trips to the College Football Playoff. However, strict admissions and antiquated facilities frustrated the head coach. As a result, Kelly answered the LSU Tigers’ call and accepted a 10-year offer to make Baton Rouge’ home.’

Since his hire, Brian Kelly installed a business-like sense at LSU that was missing since the earlier days of Les Miles. The Massachusetts native is a perennial outsider, but his recruiting ability is among the country’s best. Such is instrumental for a program desperate to regain its in-state recruiting dominance. Thus far, Kelly has satisfied fans. The 2023 LSU football class ranks 5th in the nation with 13 recruits from Louisiana.

4. LSU Tigers lose opener to Florida State

Not every moment that defines a game, season, or career is joyous. Sometimes, one must get knocked down to go forward. See the infamous photo of a UCF defender standing over Joe Burrow for more.

The LSU Tigers lost their season opener, at home, to Florida State 24-23. Fans were devastated after the loss, despite the fact the Tigers were a blocked extra point from going into overtime. Jayden Daniels played exceptionally well in his first start as LSU quarterback. The graduate transfer threw for 209 yards, rushed for another 114, and tossed two touchdown passes. There were a lot of flashes of what was to come from the Tigers’ season. However, this game was marred by inconsistencies, particularly on defense.

It is fair to say the LSU Tigers beat Florida State in any week after week one. Such prediction acknowledges that the Bayou Bengals rounded out several rough edges after their opener. Defensively, the Tigers allowed an average of 12.5 points over weeks 2-5. On offense, LSU’s play-calling progressed as coaches figured out how to utilize Daniels’ athleticism most effectively.

Beating LSU in Baton Rouge was huge for Florida State, but the game seemed insignificant by the season’s end. The Tigers went on to win 9 of their next 11 regular season games and appeared in the SEC Championship game. The two programs will, again, lock horns to kick off the 2023 season in Orlando.

3. LSU Tigers beat Gators in Gainesville

If there’s a game that LSU fans circle on the schedule, it’s Florida. The rivalry, known as “The Swamp Bowl,” dates back to 1937 and includes 69 meetings between the schools. The most recent rendition did not disappoint.

In 2022, the Tigers traveled to Gainesville with winning expectations. LSU beat the Gators in three-straight seasons under Ed Orgeron, but new head coaches on both sidelines cast some uncertainty. Such changed when Jayden Daniels threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Jaray Jenkins to close the first half. LSU took the lead and did not look back.

Beating the Gators 45-35 was a defining moment for the 2022 LSU Tigers because it cemented their ability to win in hostile environments. The team had already beaten Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but winning in The Swamp meant much more. Florida gave the Tigers their best shot, but LSU answered every punch the Gators threw. For Daniels, the night signaled his legitimacy as a big-time SEC quarterback. The graduate transfer was 23-32, for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Daniels also ran for 44 yards and three touchdowns while significantly outplaying Anthony Richardson.

2. LSU Tigers walk-off Alabama on the final play

There is no more significant wake-up call to college football than beating Nick Saban. Brian Kelly did that in his first shot as LSU Tigers head coach.

Jayden Daniels ran for a 25-yard touchdown as time expired in the 4th quarter. With LSU trailing 32-31, Kelly pushed all his chips into the middle of the table. The Tigers lined up for a 2-point try, and the game was won when Daniels hit Mason Taylor on a ‘quick-out’ route. LSU fans stormed the field in a scene one can only describe as purple and gold chaos.

Marking a win over Alabama as a ‘defining moment’ requires no explanation. But how the Tigers won does. The Crimson Tide’s passing offense was out-of-sync most of the game, primarily because of the LSU defensive pressure. Offensively, Daniels was sacked six times but remained composed and made huge plays in multiple clutch moments. As for Kelly, he finally got the better of Nick Saban, effectively taking the Crimson Tide’s place in the SEC Championship game.

One cannot underestimate Kelly’s decision to go for the win instead of taking his chances in overtime. The call required incredible fortitude and signaled to fans that their new head coach was not settling for playing with Alabama. Kelly’s goal is to beat Alabama by going for their jugular. The loss stung the Tide and gave LSU fans 12 months of bragging rights.

1. LSU destroys Purdue in a Bowl win

The LSU Tigers came through in an era where collective disappointment and player opt-outs dilute non-playoff bowl games. In their final statement of the 2022 season, the Bayou Bengals completely dominated the Boilermakers in Orlando.

LSU made some noise in the SEC Championship game but is yet to reach Georgia’s level of competition. Regardless, it was important for the Tigers to end their first season under Brian Kelly with a bowl win. The purple and gold did not disappoint. Despite having a Hall of Fame quarterback on their sideline, Purdue was no match in the Tigers’ 63-7 triumph.

Sophomore receiver Malik Nabers shined, catching nine passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. At quarterback, LSU fans saw a bright future as Garrett Nussmeier relieved Daniels in the 2nd quarter. The freshman gunslinger was 11-for-15 with 173 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard bomb to Nabers.

LSU set multiple bowl records during their route against the Boilermakers. Their 63 points, 594 total yards, and 56-point margin of victory are collegiate bowl game records. The Tigers also set a Citrus Bowl record with nine total touchdowns. But, most importantly, the LSU Tigers finished the season with incredible momentum and expectations for 2023.