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Rapid Reaction: Danny Etling, Derrius Guice spark LSU offense in win over JSU
By Gary Laney
Published:
Maybe LSU has found its quarterback.
Danny Etling came off No. 21 LSU’s bench to pass for a touchdown and run for another after an ineffective start from starter Brandon Harris, and the Tigers pulled away from FCS power Jacksonville State 34-13 at Tiger Stadium.
Etling’s numbers weren’t spectacular — he completed 6-of-14 passes for 100 yards and turned it over twice — but the Tigers’ offense seemed to come to life when he entered the game in LSU’s third offensive series, and LSU looked like a completely different team, scoring touchdowns on his first three series.
Sure, it’s a guaranteed game against a team LSU should beat. But one senses renewed optimism in Baton Rouge, particularly with the offense.
What it means: LSU rebounded from the 16-14 upset loss to Wisconsin and avoided the same struggle Auburn experienced last year in a 27-20 overtime scare against Jacksonville State. Pulling away from a quality FCS power like last year’s national runner-up is a better win than general perception.
What I liked: LSU’s ball distribution improved greatly after Etling entered the game following two three-and-outs with Harris at quarterback. He completed passes to tight ends, including one for a touchdown, and the first completion of the year to a wide receiver other than Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. Even the Tigers got fullbacks involved — Bry’Kiethon Mouton scored a touchdown — and seemed to become a harder team to defend. LSU’s defense was solid as can be against a dynamic offense.
What I didn’t like: Sure the offense was better, but Etling still turned the ball over twice (interception and fumble), and the Tigers only threw for 127 yards. Some of the issues with the offense remain the same. LSU has far too much receiving talent to only throw for 127 yards against an FCS program.
Who’s the man: Etling will be the guy people are talking about, but running back Derrius Guice, playing for the injured Leonard Fournette, rushed for 155 yards on 19 carries, including a couple of big first-half runs as the Tigers pulled away.
Key play(s): In Etling’s first possession, he found a wide open tight end DeSean Smith for a 46-yard touchdown, opening the floodgates for an LSU offense that had been stuck in neutral. The offense got help from the special teams. Tre’Davious White’s highlight-reel 60-yard punt return — he retreated some 10 yards before turning the corner and taking it the distance — increased the Tigers’ lead to 27-10.
What’s next: LSU hosts Mississippi State at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday to open SEC play. MSU looks like a much tougher game for the Tigers after their 27-14 win over South Carolina on Saturday. Both teams have had interesting quarterback storylines. Etling may be the man for LSU, and MSU seems to have settled on Nick Fitzgerald, who had a solid game against South Carolina.
