From 2008 to 2018 we’ve wondered why LSU can’t develop a quarterback. The only two that had success were transfers, Zach Mettenberger and Joe Burrow. After four games this year, it’s safe to say that times have changed. Myles Brennan has quietly thrown for over 1,000 yards in his first 3 starts. Last week Coach O announced Brennan would be out with an injury, and I took it as another blow to an already disappointing season. In walks 6’6”, 240 lb TJ Finley. Finley threw for 265 yards with an 81% completion rate in the most impressive game I’ve seen from a first time starter at LSU. As great as his stats were, they don’t tell the whole story. The most impressive part of his performance was the poise and command of the offense he displayed. He avoided pressure and calmly went through progressions. While that might be normal for some schools, LSU has had quarterbacks that played four years that soiled their pants if the first read wasn’t open. Coaches can help with footwork, mechanics, and reading defenses, but a calm demeanor under fire can’t be coached. Intangibles are either in you or not. Beyond that, he showed a live arm, accuracy, and an effortless throwing motion. I could write a whole column on what he did well, but there were also adjustments that the coaches made that contributed to his success.

Commitment to Run

The Tigers had trouble (to say the least) running the ball against Missouri, and simply stopped trying to do so. The coaching staff showed a renewed commitment to the run against South Carolina, particularly on first downs. The offensive line responded with their best game of the year, which resulted in an 80% 3rd down conversion rate after converting a whopping 0 3rd downs a week earlier. Much credit is due to the masterminds on the LSU coaching staff for putting their heads together and deciding to play their best running back, John Emery. Emery needs less open space than any other LSU back to gain positive yardage, and adequate space was given as evidenced by his average of 3.17 yards before contact against South Carolina. The effectiveness of the run led to bigger passing lanes, which brings me to the next adjustment the staff made.

RPO’s

Steve Ensminger made a concerted effort to simplify the game for his young quarterback. LSU ran more run/pass option plays than we’d seen in the first three games. Successful runs brought the linebackers closer to the line of scrimmage, and the slants were there for the taking. Finley was not only able to take what was given, but he threw multiple slants slightly behind receivers, avoiding leading them into big hits and allowing them to change direction for more yardage. The execution of the offense as a whole was nearly flawless with open receivers, accurate throws, and no drops.

On to Auburn

The next test for Finley is an SEC road start against the Auburn Tigers. While Auburn has had their own struggles this year, this is rarely an easy game. Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele has proven to be one of the more creative minds in terms of creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks. Lucky for LSU, Auburn’s front seven is not nearly as good as they usually are. They’re giving up 180 yards per game, good for third worst in the conference. The LSU coaches will trust Finley to do more within the offense this week, but effective running is critical to their continued success. LSU still has a lot to prove defensively, and Auburn has a future star at running back in freshman Tank Bigsby. If LSU gives up the edge as easily as they did against USC, he’ll likely run for at least 700 yards. Ok, I might be slightly exaggerating, but Bigsby is good enough to singlehandedly keep Auburn in the game. I have little to no confidence in Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, but LSU must account for his running ability in their game plan.

LSU/Auburn is a long, strange rivalry in which we’ve literally seen everything from earthquakes to fires. This is an unpredictable matchup. The only thing I can confidently say about the game is TJ Finley won’t be intimidated. If the defense continues to improve along with an expanded offensive playbook for Finley, LSU should climb above .500 with Alabama looming after a bye week. The Tigers’ performance last week was a start to salvaging the season. Another win this week would be monumental in terms of team confidence and the temperature of the fan base. However, a side effect of a second consecutive win would be the inevitable quarterback controversy, but I’ll give my two cents on that when the time comes. I will say this; the future is bright! As always, GEAUX TIGERS!!!