2021 Gumbo final - Book - Page 57
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here were many questions surrounding the LSU
football team heading into the spring game: some
that were answered, and some that weren’t.
In terms of quarterback play, it seems like two
quarterbacks, Myles Brennan and Max Johnson, currently
lead the charge to take the starter job in terms of statistics
and efficiency.
Both quarterbacks had strong performances with similar
statlines, but Johnson ultimately edged out the veteran
statistically, amassing 180 yards and two touchdowns on
64.7% completion percentage (largely carried by his secondhalf performance) compared to Brennan’s 125 yards and one
touchdown on 60% completion percentage.
“All of them are getting better at times, we all are
working on things, running off everything together,” Boutte
said. “We’re all together. I think they played good as a
quarterback room.”
The other question LSU fans had related to their offensive
attack was whether or not Boutte would have to carry the
majority of the load for the squad. Boutte might have talent
comparable to Ja’Marr Chase, but that 2019 team would
not have been on the same level without Justin Jefferson or
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Boutte still had an incredible game (11 catches for 162
yards and one touchdown), but senior Jontre Kirklin actually
outpaced him by a pretty modest margin. He had an insane
16 receptions, 209 yards and two touchdowns — a breath of
fresh air for LSU fans everywhere.
“He always did play how he did today,” Boutte said. “I
honestly think he was slept on. He stepped up and showed
that he could be a big wide receiver.”
With a strong quarterback room that contains clear
starter-caliber players, solid weapons at the receiver and
running back positions and an experienced offensive line,
this offense has the potential to be a nightmare for defenses
everywhere.
The question on everyone’s mind after seeing what the
team did at the spring game is: how will it compare to the
2019 team? Left tackle Austin Deculus believes they are on
the same level already. When asked whether or not he’s
seen reminders of the 2019 team from the current one, he
responded with a confident “most definitely.”
“You see the long passes, you see the big runs and you
see the energetic, fun offense that everyone grew to know
and love in the 2019 season,” Deculus said. “We aren’t going
to show everybody the little tools we’ve got up our sleeve
right now. We’re just scratching the surface.”
We did see flashes of that last season, particularly in
the last two games, but something that was not replicated
last season that the team had the season before was the
dominant defense that held Texas A&M to seven points and
Georgia to 10 in 2019. But it was a completely different story
on Saturday.
The final score was 23-14, which was much lower than
most people expected. This was due to LSU’s defense forcing
the offense into a lot of mistakes and at the end of the day
they amassed a total of six turnovers and eight sacks.
There are two huge differences between this defense
and last year’s defense. One: the defense is a lot more
experienced, with a vast number of the underclassmen who
played last year having a year of experience and training
under their belts. Two: they have a new leader at the helm,
defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
It was clear that things were much different during the
spring game. The offense was able to pull off big plays, but
coverage was incredibly tight throughout and the defensive
line and outside linebackers made it into the backfield many
times against a very experienced offensive line.
Head Coach Ed Orgeron gave a lot of credit to Jones,
calling him a very talented coach. He also mentioned a
defensive back that has flown under the radar, Dwight
McGlothern, and stated that their secondary was the most
improved aspect of the spring.
McGlothern took Eli Ricks’ position due to Ricks being
injured and had a solid game, outpacing every defensive
back on the field in pass breakups with four. Once Ricks
returns, this secondary will be lethal, sporting Derek Stingley
Jr., Ricks, McGlothern, Jay Ward and Todd Harris Jr. at safety.
Couple that with some solid inside and outside
linebackers, a strong, experienced defensive line and a solid
defensive coordinator, and you’ve got the potential for one
of the best defenses in the country.
There are a lot of unknowns that won’t be answered until
the regular season begins, but Orgeron has put a lot of work
into improving this team and the players have done their
part. There is still a lot of time to train and a lot of work to
be done. This team has the potential to erase the rough
memories that amassed over the last season, but only time
will tell.
spring game