LSU spring game recap
Brennan and Johnson separate themselves from the pack, while the Tigers look like they’ll make replacing Terrace Marshall easy.
By: The Hammer
Photo: LSU Sports
This past weekend we had our first glimpse at the 2021 LSU Tigers with their spring game where we saw the feared Purple and White teams square off in Death Valley. A ton has been going on in and around the LSU program over the last couple of years. Most recently, sins of a prior coaching staff under Les Miles have been exposed, resulting in Miles’ dismissal at Kansas. It is not clear yet what impact, if any, these accusations will have on the current Tiger program. From an outsider perspective, it appears to be business as usual, even with some off-field distractions for Coach O.
On the field, LSU has had a roller coaster few years as well. 2019 was probably the best year in program history and Heisman winner, Joe Burrow, led the Bayou Bengals to an undefeated record and National Championship victory in nearby New Orleans. A storybook ending to a storybook season. Hollywood couldn’t have written it better. Then 2020 rolled around and the Tigers had high hopes, as is customary in Baton Rouge. The only problem is the team was not up to the challenge, finishing at 5-5 on the year.
Despite winning it all in 2019, a season like 2020 will not be tolerated. Coach O sent defensive coordinator Bo Pelini packing after just one year, and long-time offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger retired, so the coaching staff is full of fresh blood. Can the Tigers rebound in 2021 and compete for the SEC West title?
Most of that question relies on their quarterback play in 2021, which was a weak point after Myles Brennan got injured last year. We know LSU has athletes all over the field and finding a quarterback has been an Achilles heel for the program for a while. Burrow was a flash in the pan in an otherwise long list of mediocrity. When they can find elite quarterback play, the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with. That’s probably why Joe Burrow and Jamarcus Russell both won National Championships. So naturally, we had our eyes on the quarterback position, which despite spotty play last season, could be a strength in 2020.
Brennan played well on Saturday and has the chance to win back his starting job. (Photo: LSU Athletics)
All four quarterbacks played for both teams on Saturday. Myles Brennan, the most likely starter in my opinion, threw the ball pretty well. He finished 12/20 for 116 yards and one touchdown. Late season hero from last year, Max “Mark Richt’s Nephew” Johnson, went 11/17 for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, freshman Garrett Nussmeier struggled a bit going 15/25 for 133 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Lastly, TJ Finley was 10/19 for 108 yards and two interceptions.
After seeing these performances, it looks like the quarterback battle is between Brennan and Johnson. Nussmeier is just a freshman and will have time to learn behind the veterans ahead of him. I think Finley is prime for a transfer. He lost his backup role to Jonhson after a few uninspiring performances and looks more and more like the odd man out. If Brennan wins the job, he only has one year left so Johnson can bide his time and look to start in 2022.
I know the spring game is just one piece of the puzzle when evaluating quarterbacks but couple those performances with what we saw on the field last year, and I think it comes down to Brennan and Johnson. Again, my bet is on Brennan, but Johnson has some moxie.
Outside of the quarterback position, the Tigers looked pretty dang good. Kayshon Boutte picked up right where he left off at the end of last year and hauled in 11 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown for the White team. On the other side, senior wideout Jontre Kirklin impressed with 10 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Seems like replacing Terrace Marshall won’t be too difficult.
Kayshon Boutte is going to make it easier to stomach the loss of Terrace Marshall (Photo: Brandon Gallego, LSU Athletics)
Defensively, it’s hard to gather much from the spring game as quarterbacks can’t be hit and the rules are set up more for offenses. It’s more about formations, communication and being the right spot for defenses, as opposed to true execution and tackling. Outside of last season, LSU’s defense has been great for a long time. With Bo Pelini gone, I think the Tigers will be back to their old ways. Star cornerback Derek Stingley looks healthy and paired with Eli Ricks on the other side, LSU should have a daunting secondary. Lock it up from B&S: the Tiger defense will be just fine in 2021.
While I don’t anticipate LSU returning to their 2019 form, I think they will be much better than last year. If Brennan or Johnson can stay healthy and the defense returns to form, they should be a formidable foe for anyone who lines up against them. I see another year with at least 8 wins and 10 on the high side if they really mesh.