Joe Burrow’s record-breaking 2019 season at LSU, leading the Tigers to a 15-0 perfect season and national championship. Burrow threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns (both NCAA records), won the Heisman Trophy by the largest margin ever, and dominated the College Football Playoff. The season is considered the greatest individual college football performance of all time.
The Season
Burrow completed 76.3% of his passes with a 202.0 passer rating (both records). LSU beat seven ranked teams including #1 Alabama, #4 Oklahoma (Peach Bowl), and #3 Clemson (National Championship). Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech, where he highlighted poverty in southeast Ohio, went viral.
Cultural Impact
The “Joe Burrow Heisman House” speech became legendary for its humility and advocacy. His 463 yards and 5 TDs against Clemson cemented his greatness. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted him #1 overall in 2020. LSU fans call 2019 “the greatest season in college football history.”
Legacy
Burrow’s 60 TD record still stands. The 2019 LSU offense is studied as one of the most dominant units ever. Burrow’s NFL success (leading Bengals to Super Bowl LVI) validated the college dominance. The season reset expectations for quarterback play.