LSU vs. Louisville, Citrus Bowl 2016: Time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know

This year’s Citrus Bowl looks like one of the most intriguing matchups of the bowl season, and it isn’t even part of the New Year’s Six bowl game this year. The timing of this game is just a little bit off — the Citrus Bowl has been played on New Year’s Day for the vast majority of years since the 1980s. But this year, it falls on New Year’s Eve, prior to the Playoff semifinal games getting underway.

LSU is looking to cap off a successful season under once-interim, now-permanent head coach Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to a 5-2 mark after LSU fired Les Miles. The Tiger offense will have to turn to running back Derrius Guice against the Louisville defense, as junior Leonard Fournette is not playing in the bowl to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft. Fournette did play in LSU’s final game against Texas A&M on Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, LSU’s defense has the tall task of defending Lamar Jackson, who won the school’s first-ever Heisman after throwing for 3,390 yards and 30 touchdowns, along with 1,538 yards and 21 scores on the ground.

TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN. The announcers are Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, and Tom Luginbill.

Radio: Louisville and LSU

Online streaming: You can catch this game at WatchESPN.

Spread: This line is currently even.

Make friends: SB Nation’s And The Valley Shook covers LSU, and Card Chronicle covers Louisville.

1. LSU’s secondary will challenge Jackson. This matchup alone is what makes this game so exciting. The Tiger secondary ranked 17th in team passing efficiency defense, and the unit is highlighted by Tre-Davious White and Jamal Adams. This will likely be one of the most talented secondaries Jackson has faced thus far.

2. Derrius Guice will carry LSU’s rushing load. Without having to play with the possibility of Fournette playing over his shoulder, Guice will be LSU’s No. 1 back in this year’s Citrus Bowl. Given that Fournette missed five games, Guice has earned meaningful reps this season. On the season, he’s rushed for 1,249 yards and 12 touchdowns.

3. Ed Orgeron will be coaching in his first bowl game. Believe it or not, Orgeron will be a head coach for his first-ever bowl game. The former Ole Miss head coach never led his team to a bowl in his three seasons, and he resigned after the 2013 season as USC’s interim. If LSU can get a win over Louisville, the Orgeron era in Baton Rogue will be off to a great start.