Simulated Game between 2019 LSU Tigers and 2025 Indiana Hoosiers (Claude AI)

Projected Final Score: LSU 38, Indiana 31

Here’s my reasoning:

Why LSU would win:

1. Unmatched offensive firepower - That 2019 LSU offense is considered one of the greatest in college football history. Burrow’s 60 TDs broke records, and they had TWO future NFL Pro Bowl 1,500-yard receivers.

2. Elite competition tested - LSU beat SEVEN top-10 teams, including five top-5 teams by an average margin of 20 points. They faced defenses much better than what Indiana saw in 2025.

3. Playoff experience edge - In the actual playoffs, Burrow threw for 956 yards and 12 TDs in two games (63-28 vs Oklahoma, 42-25 vs Clemson).

4. Explosive plays - LSU averaged 7.89 yards per play with multiple 50+ and 60+ point performances.
Why Indiana would keep it close:

1. Defensive dominance - That 10.3 PPG allowed is elite. They’d create turnovers and force LSU into longer drives.

2. Mendoza’s efficiency - While his volume stats are lower, his decision-making (6 INTs in 16 games) would prevent catastrophic mistakes.

3. Complete team - Indiana went 16-0 for a reason - balanced, well-coached, clutch in big moments.

4. Modern scheme advantages - Six years of defensive evolution could slow LSU’s passing attack somewhat.

The Game Flow:
* LSU would jump out to an early lead (17-7 at halftime) with big plays to Chase and Jefferson
* Indiana would methodically grind back in the third quarter, using Mendoza’s mobility and smart play-calling (24-21 LSU after three)
* Fourth quarter shootout with both QBs making Heisman-worthy plays
* LSU’s superior weapons would make the difference in crunch time - a late Burrow-to-Jefferson touchdown connection seals it
* That 2019 LSU team is simply regarded by many as the greatest college football team of the modern era. While Indiana’s 2025 squad was magnificent in their own right, LSU’s offensive juggernaut combined with facing tougher competition gives them the edge in this dream matchup.