The LSU Tigers are playing on New Year’s Day again. But the Tigers are going to have their hands full, just as another set of Tigers from the SEC did last year in the Peach Bowl. That’s because Ed Orgeron’s bunch are facing the UCF Knights out in Arizona in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl.

As you well know by now, UCF is undefeated again. The Knights have won 25 consecutive games after going 13-0 last season. They capped that season off with a Peach Bowl win over the Auburn Tigers. Now, Josh Heupel’s Knights look to finish off another perfect season, but this time out in the desert.

It will be fascinating for a few reasons. For one, McKenzie Milton won’t obviously be playing for UCF. Milton suffered a devastating knee injury last month and missed the AAC Championship Game. Darriel Mack Jr. stepped in nicely in that game to help lead the Knights to victory, but Milton obviously was one of the most dynamic threats in college football. Will Mack be able to do so against a stingier defense? Time will tell.

That being said, that LSU defense won’t look the same. Injuries plus players skipping out on the bowl game will make them appear a lot different than usual. Dave Aranda is still one of the best defensive coordinators in the land and could very well mix it up and attack UCF in ways they’ve never seen. But the Knights are unbeaten for a reason and could counter that defense with great offensive play.

Regardless of what happens, this is going to be the most fascinating game of the entire day. I’m sure plenty of narratives will be stoked in the aftermath too. So, tune in why don’t you?

HOW TO WATCH

Time: 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT

TV: ESPN

Watch Online: WatchESPN