Quarterback Jayden Daniels makes FBS history in win over Florida

What a day for the LSU football team! In another high-scoring affair, coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers came away with a victory over Florida Saturday evening 52-35. The most crucial aspect, however, might have been Heisman candidate quarterback Jayden Daniels, who put on a performance unlike any we’ve seen before.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels makes FBS history

It’s not often you get to watch a football player make FBS history. Tonight, that’s exactly what LSU football fans had the privilege of seeing tonight with quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Coming off a head injury one week ago vs. Alabama, it was uncertain whether we would see the star quarterback play today against Florida.

However, see him, we would, as quarterback Jayden Daniels would not only play, but he would go on to have a historic night vs. the Gators.

51 yards for the TOUCHDOWN @JayD__5 is unreal

📺 SEC Network pic.twitter.com/QqrFz7Ps61

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 12, 2023

Coming off the major win, coach Brian Kelly knew precisely where the highlighter was focused.

“I know you want to talk about Jayden Daniels,” Kelly began during Saturday’s postgame press conference. “He’s pretty good. Matter of fact, he set an FBS record tonight, as you know, where he threw for 350 yards and rushed for 200. So, just an amazing, amazing accomplishment.”

Tonight, quarterback Jayden Daniels put on a performance, pure and simple. Through four quarters, the 5th-year senior threw the ball 26 times for 372 yards and three touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his passes.

As if that weren’t enough, he also ran the ball 12 times for 234 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an unheard-of 19.5 yards per carry. As it turns out, this would end up being FBS history, as he became the first player to ever pass for 350 yards while also running for 200.

JD5 for Heisman?

It’s important to remember quarterback Jayden Daniels is no “one-hit wonder.” This is something he’s been doing all year long.

Through 10 games, the LSU football star has been simply unstoppable. He’s also having by far the best season of his career, recording 4,082 total yards and 38 touchdowns.

Not only that, but this might be one of the best performances we’ve seen in college football history. So what exactly does that mean for the star quarterback’s chances at the Heisman? Coach Brian Kelly said it best himself in postgame following their victory over Florida:

“If he didn’t win it tonight, he’s gotta be the leading candidate.”

“He’s the best player in college football. He did something tonight that no one’s ever done,” the head coach continued. “So if that doesn’t make you the leading candidate, then maybe the Heisman is not really for the best player. Maybe it’s for the most popular player.”

Jayden Daniels hits the Heisman pose 👀 pic.twitter.com/XMBYR88p2U

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 12, 2023

For context, in 2019, quarterback Joe Burrow totaled 6,039 yards and 65 touchdowns. While JD5 might not exactly touch those numbers, he’s been one of the best players in the FBS in 2023.

Right now, his main competition comes primarily from the West Coast with players like Washington’s Michael Penix Jr and Oregon’s Bo Nix. However, despite their elite seasons thus far, they can’t compare with that of LSU football quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Through 10 games, Penix Jr has recorded 3,506 yards and 30 touchdowns. Slightly south of Washington, Nix has just 2,839 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Even more notably, without Daniels, coach Brian Kelly, and the Tigers would be struggling much more than they are right now. As things stand, the team is 7-3 and very much in contention for a potential New Year’s Six bowl.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been about as good as any player in FBS thus far in 2023. After watching tonight’s LSU vs. Florida game, if you have a Heisman ballot and aren’t seriously considering him as your No. 1, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

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