PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

Central Florida (12-0) vs. LSU (9-3) Time, TV: 1 p.m. ET Tuesday, ESPN University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ Reasons to watch

❚ LSU wasn’t supposed to be here. The schedule was far, far, far more brutal than what UCF had to deal with, and it passed the test with flying colors. The losses? A tight battle at Florida, Alabama and a seven-overtime game at Texas A&M. This is a rock-solid, tough team that doesn’t do anything pretty but has the lines and the defense to make a statement. Motivation shouldn’t be an issue for LSU.

❚ There were plenty of parts back from last year’s dream season, but head coach Josh Heupel is new. Scott Frost is gone, and so is QB McKenzie Milton, recovering from a broken leg suffered

late in the season. Shaquem Griffin isn’t in this game, and neither is last season’s top receiver, Tre’Quan Smith, or dangerous defensive lineman Jamiyus Pittman. There’s a whole lot more to prove. Players to watch

❚ QB Joe Burrow, LSU: He wanted to be the Ohio State quarterback, but Dwayne Haskins turned into a passingyardage machine and a Heisman finalist. Burrow went to LSU, took over the gig and turned into the ultimate game manager, running for 375 yards and seven scores and throwing for 2,500 yards and 12 TDs with four picks.

❚ QB Darriel Mack, UCF: The freshman had to somehow step in for heart-andsoul leader Milton, and after a rough start, he came up big. LSU will be fully trained on keeping the 6-3, 230-pounder from taking over.