When you look back at his entire college career, the rise of Joe Burrow is one of the unlikeliest, yet most inspiring stories of the sports world this season. The LSU Tigers are the top ranked team in the country, and Burrow’s metamorphosis into one of if not the best quarterbacks in the country is one of the biggest reasons for it. The Tigers and coach Ed Orgeron made a commitment to overhauling the offense in 2019, bringing in Joe Brady as offensive coordinator. It’s worked in spades, as Burrow is now the Heisman favorite, and the Tigers are in the playoffs. Now, Burrow is the official recipient of the SoBros Network’s completely fake and made up award: The SEC MVP honors.
At Ohio State, Burrow played behind J.T. Barrett, and when it was obvious that Dwayne Haskins was going to get the nod following Barrett, he made the decision to transfer to LSU in the summer of 2018. He was named LSU’s starting quarterback, and brought a lot of promise to the offense. But, for whatever reason, it just really didn’t click. Burrow finished with just 23 total touchdowns (seven of those rushing), and a passer rating of 133.2. Enter Brady.
This Tigers offense has looked like one of the best of all time since uniting “the Joe Bros.” They’re leading the nation in yards per game with 554.3, they’re only behind Washington State in passing yards, and are third in points per game, averaging a whopping 47.8 points per contest. Burrow’s nearly flawless performances have been a huge reason in the turnaround. He just seems to be a perfect fit for Brady’s offense.
Without him playing quarterback the way he has, I don’t know that LSU wins as many games. His 4,715 passing yards are second only to Washington State’s Anthony Gordon in the FBS. His 77.9 completion percentage leads the FBS. No one in the FBS threw more touchdowns than he did (48). His 201.5 passer rating is only behind Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa.
What’s most impressive about Joe Burrow is the fact that he’s played some of his best ball in the biggest games | 349 yards and four touchdowns against Georgia, 393 yards and three touchdowns against Alabama, 321 yards and two (total) touchdowns against Auburn, and 293 yards and three touchdowns against Florida. The guy’s simply been phenomenal.
Now, instead of talking about whether or not Burrow is a liability…whether he’s the fourth or fifth best quarterback in the SEC like we were last year…we’re talking about Burrow taking home the Heisman, and maybe even being the top pick in next spring’s NFL Draft.
This has been a difficult decision in years past, but in 2019, it’s an easy one, folks. Joe Burrow is clearly your 2019 SEC MVP.
PAST HONORS
2013 – Tre Mason, Jordan Matthews
2014 – Amari Cooper
2015 – Derrick Henry
2016 – Reuben Foster
2017 – Drew Lock
2018 – Tua Tagovailoa
Catch y’all next season.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
