The Joe Burrow Touchdown Bracket Round of 32: Day 12

In a stunning result, yesterday’s 3-6 vote was a complete landslide victory for the 6-seed in our Get the Nat region, Joe Burrow’s 18-yard fade to Ja’Marr Chase against Clemson. The Get the Nat region has one more seat available in the Sweet 16 so let’s get to it.

Justin Jefferson’s 18-yard dig vs. Oklahoma

Why it should advance:

Because it’s the tone setter for the day the LSU offense as a whole and Justin Jefferson specifically would have in the Peach Bowl. We talk a lot about how Ja’Marr Chase mossed Trevon Diggs in the Alabama game, but we really need to appreciate Jefferson carrying Pat Fields to the end zone more.

I never once thought Oklahoma would beat LSU that day in Atlanta. Even in a goofy ass sport like college football where anything can happen, the notion the Sooners would beat LSU never seemed possible. There may indeed be an infinite number of parallel universes and let me tell you, there ain’t a single one where Oklahoma beats LSU. After K’Lavon Chaisson sacked Jalen Hurts on the first play from scrimmage they should have called the game right there, but I’m glad they didn’t because if it were called off we wouldn’t have seen maybe the best single game performance an LSU receiver has ever had. Jefferson had FOUR TOUCHDOWNS IN A HALF IN A NATIONAL SEMIFINAL GUYS I CAN’T EMPHASIZE THAT ENOUGH.

As for this particular play itself, is there a better metaphor for the game than this touchdown? Jefferson bouncing off one defender and fireman carrying another into the end zone? I love it.

No. 5: Terrace Marshall’s 29-yard leisurely stroll vs. Alabama

Why it should advance:

Because Nick Saban coached defenses never get caught with their pants down and Marshall was stupid open.

Ignoring how hilariously open Marshall was, this was also a pivotal moment in the game. Alabama got some momentum back on their side when Jaylen Waddle returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown, bringing Bryant-Denny Stadium back to life.

But LSU responded like a champion. Instead of faltering the offense immediately responded, scoring in eight plays. I’ve watched this play about a dozen times and I still cannot figure out who messed up on Alabama’s defense so I’ll just go with: everybody. Because not only was Marshall stupid open, Thad Moss was just as open. The hardest part for Burrow on that play, I assume, was deciding which one of his wide open receivers should he throw to.