Best SEC football players this century – 3. Joe Burrow, LSU, Quarterback (2018-2019)
Speaking of special one-season performances, let’s talk about the final season for Joe Burrow at LSU. The Tigers quarterback wasn’t expected to have the season he did. In fact, some might think he was the weak link in an otherwise stacked LSU offense. He had Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire surrounding him. All that talent put together led to Burrow putting together one of the best quarterback seasons in the history of the sport.
Burrow’s journey to LSU was long, but it was worth it in the end. He started at Ohio State, but it became clear he wasn’t going to be named the starter when J.T. Barrett graduated. That was going to Dwayne Haskins. So, he decided to transfer to LSU. He got his degree in three years, which made him immediately eligible to play with two years of eligibility remaining.
He won the starting job right off the bat and he was fine in his junior year. He had some decent wins, including a win over No. 7 Auburn. However, it was his senior season where he took the league by storm. Burrow went into the season as a 200/1 long shot to win the Heisman Trophy. He ended up winning it in 2019 after throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns. He threw for 60 touchdowns in 15 games. Those are NCAA video game numbers right there. It was ridiculous. He never missed throwing a touchdown in a game.
He threw a ridiculous 12 touchdowns in the College Football Playoff. This is supposed to be the best competition in college football and Burrow threw for 12 touchdowns in two games. This is honestly ridiculous. Burrow holds the record for most touchdowns in a college season and only three players threw for more yards. None of them were playing against SEC defenses. Burrow had the best single-season in the history of the SEC, which eventually led to an LSU national championship.