Leonard Fournette touchdowns lead LSU to Texas Bowl win

Just when it seemed like the 2015 Texas Bowl was about to go off the rails, LSU restored order. Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris, running back Darrel Williams and receiver D.J. Chark each had rushing touchdowns for LSU.

Had Fournette, who played in 12 games this season played in that game that got cancelled, there is no doubt that he would have shattered the 2,000 yards rushing mark. Fournette rushed for a score and caught a 44-yard touchdown on a screen pass in the first half. Center Norense Odiase finished 14 points and nine rebounds, guard Keenan Evans added 14 points and forward Zach Smith scored 10 points.

Fournette looked the part despite not getting a ton of carries and Patrick Mahomes looked good for Texas Tech. Chark, on his touch catch of the season, took a pitch and raced 79 yards for a touchdown.

The bowl sold out last season’s Arkansas-Texas match for the first time in its 10-year history.

It’s the longest winning streak for the Red Raiders (10-1) since the 2009-10 season. Grant caught two touchdown passes from Mahomes in the first half to keep Texas Tech close.

Now the bowl victory has given LSU some momentum heading into the offseason, which the Tigers can only hope will strengthen recruits’ confidence in the program.

A tripping penalty on Texas Tech put the Red Raiders behind the chains on its second drive, and LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith finished off the strong defensive start with a 13-yard sack.

LSU head coach Les Miles holds up the championship trophy after the defeated Texas Tech during the Texas Bowl NCAA football game Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, in Houston. Harris hit Dupre for an 11-yard completion before Fournette bulldozed in from the 2-yard line for a touchdown and 7-0 lead with 11:47 to go in the opening period.

He also just enjoyed to show off with the ball, taking a playful leap for this touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Harris’ numbers were certainly an improvement after a dismal four-game finish to the season where he threw five interceptions and just three touchdowns. Fournette took it in from there for a 28-20 lead with 8:17 to play in the third quarter, and LSU was off.

To a point, the frustrations of Tigers fans are understandable; LSU appears to possess the pieces for an offense that could give opponents nightmares. That’s not really a sustainable offense, and eventually the Red Raiders ran out of magic. Jacobi Owens, the leader of one of the nation’s best rushing games, had 83 yards and a touchdown.

“The barber asked me, “Well, are you pulling for Tech in this bowl game?’ Mason said”.

Elijah Hood ran the ball 13 times for 118 yards for the Tar Heels, who posted 487 total yards on offense in the defeat.

The Red Raiders cut LSU’s lead to 7-6 on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to wide receiver Jakeem Grant with 53 seconds to go in the first quarter.

With the expectations being set on Leonard Fournette and his ability to deliver on those, it is clear that if he can stay healthy, he will likely be something special at the next level in a few more years.