Why LSU is ‘the Cleveland Browns of college football’ as far as QBs | College Football Live | ESPN
With quarterbacks Justin McMillan and Lowell Narcisse transferring from the LSU Tigers football program, Marcus Spears and Todd McShay join College Football Live to discuss the latest comments from Ed Orgeron about Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan and the QB job, whether it’s Orgeron’s fault or former coach Les Miles, the recent spate of QB transfers, and more. Spears, who went to LSU, calls the team “the Cleveland Browns of college football.”
With quarterbacks Justin McMillan and Lowell Narcisse transferring from the LSU Tigers football program, Marcus Spears and Todd McShay join College Football Live to discuss the latest comments from Ed Orgeron about Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan and the QB job, whether it’s Orgeron’s fault or former coach Les Miles, the recent spate of QB transfers, and more. Spears, who went to LSU, calls the team “the Cleveland Browns of college football.”
Alot of movement here at LSU in the last 10 years when it comes to quarterbacks. I think overall Joe Burrows will start at quarterback for the Tigers. Narcisse and McMillan are the two latest quarterbacks to transfer out of LSU, but the deal was pretty clear you can’t start 4 quarterbacks during a college football season, maybe in the NFL because there’s lots of injuries.
The biggest problem for LSU is the quarterback development which is the most important position on the football field. You can have all the db’s and linebackers you want, and have a great defensive line, a solid O line, running backs and talented tall receivers, but if you dont have anyone to distribute the football then that’s a done deal. Basically it would be like taking Magic Johnson away from the Los Angeles Lakers during the 80’s. The quarterback is the one who runs the offense, thats a key position to win football games. You can always have a great defense for stopping other teams, but they dont score points like a offense does, plain and simple.
I do think its the culture with LSU Football they just dont develop quarterbacks and that needs to change. I think Joe Burrows will be a big asset. If LSU gets ahead in some games by 30 points, then they can put Brennan in to mop up the games. Also its gonna be a tough schedule for LSU, they might need two quarterbacks to play during the season. No one is injury prone when you step on the football field especially in the SEC with the toughest defenses in College Football. So should Myles Brennan see some playing time, there is a good chance for that to happen. If Joe Burrows has a Heisman Trophy year that might be it for the Ohio native. That remains to be seen. It might be a tough year for LSU, perhaps 8-4 or 7-5, according to Vegas Odds. It remains to be seen how LSU’s season will play out especially with Georgia and no.1 Alabama coming to Baton Rouge.
ARANDA GETS CONTRACT EXTENSION; WILL REMAIN AT LSU
BATON ROUGE – Dave Aranda, widely considered one of the top defensive minds in college football, has been given a contract extension and will remain LSU’s defensive coordinator, head coach Ed Orgeron announced on Thursday.
Aranda, who also serves as LSU’s associate head coach and inside linebackers coach, recently completed his second season with the Tigers, guiding a defense that ranked among the national leaders in total yards allowed per game (316.2) and points per game (18.9).
Orgeron originally announced the Aranda news on Wednesday night with a tweet that read: “I’m very happy to report Dave Aranda has agreed to be with our program for years to come. Thanks to Joe Alleva, Dr. Alexander and the board of supervisors for their support in making this happen. Geaux Tigers.”
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said the administration, university officials and members of the board of supervisors fully anticipated efforts by other schools to hire Aranda and were prepared to retain him.
“When you have someone of Dave’s caliber, you expect it,” said Alleva of the overtures from other schools. “We were prepared and ready. Coach O’s leadership on this was crucial and he was fully supported by the administration, university and board. We were all in full alignment. Once this process began, we were ready to put the plan into action and get this done.”
Under Aranda’s leadership, LSU’s defense has allowed only 42 touchdowns in 25 games, an average of just 1.7 a contest. In 2016, Aranda and the Tigers led the nation in fewest touchdowns allowed with 16.
“We are very happy to have Dave with us,” Orgeron said. “He is one of the best defensive coordinators in football and the way he handles his players and recruits makes us proud that he is a part of the LSU program. He is a great coach and a better man.”
This year, despite losing five starters to the NFL, including two first round draft picks, and relying on as many as six true freshmen to play significant roles, the Tigers were still ranked among the leaders in the Southeastern Conference in pass efficiency defense (No. 2 at 110.0 efficiency), rushing defense (No. 3 at 128.5 yards per game), points allowed (No. 4 at 18.9 points per game) and total defense (No. 4 at 316.2 yards per game).
“I’m extremely excited to work alongside Coach O and our great coaching staff as we continue to build on the foundation that we have started here at LSU,” Aranda said. “There are so many good things going on with our program right now and I’m just happy to be part of the next step in this process.”
“We have a very talented group of players coming back on defense and our signing class is a special group, so I’m very pleased and appreciative of the opportunity to remain an LSU Tiger.”
Aranda’s influence is easy to spot as in just two years, he developed sophomore linebacker Devin White into a second team All-America selection. White led the SEC in tackles this year with 133, while redshirt freshman cornerback Greedy Williams was first in the league in interceptions with six on his way to third team All-America honors. It’s the first time since 1993 that players from the same team led the SEC in tackles and interceptions in the same year.
Alleva said the move to extend Aranda was “of the highest importance” for the football program.
“Coach O made clear Dave was his guy and we made a commitment to keep Dave Aranda a Tiger,” Alleva said. “His work ethic and success on the field is unrivaled. This was an important step for the future of our program.”
The contract extension is pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors.
LSU SET TO FACE BYU IN SUPERDOME
BATON ROUGE – LSU put the finishing touches on the game plan for Saturday’s season-opener against BYU with “No Repeat Thursday” here indoor at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.
The Tigers will have a walk-thru on Friday afternoon, eat dinner in the Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium and then catch a movie as a team before making the one-hour drive to New Orleans tomorrow night.
Kickoff for the first-ever meeting between LSU and BYU is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. ESPN will televise the game.
“We’ve had a good week of practice,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said on Thursday afternoon. “We are excited to open up the 2017 Football season in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and we know that we will have a great turnout from our fans.”
Orgeron said the Tigers are still unsettled on who will start at the bench linebacker spot as true freshman K’Lavon Chaisson and redshirt freshman Ray Thornton continue to battle it out for the starting role. Orgeron said it would likely be a game time decision on who would start at bench linebacker.
Orgeron also noted that it’s likely that true freshman Saahdiq Charles will start at right guard, ahead of fellow true freshman Ed Ingram. Orgeron said both Charles and Ingram will share time on Saturday against the Cougars.
If he does indeed start against BYU, Charles will become the first true freshman offensive lineman to start the season-opener in school history.
Defensively, the Tigers will face one of the top centers in college football in senior Tejan Koroma.
“Their center is going to be a handful all night,” Orgeron said of the BYU team captain and three-year starter. “We are going to rotate Greg (Gilmore) and Ed (Alexander) in the middle. They are going to have to play well for us.”
BYU enters the contest with a 1-0 mark following last week’s 20-6 win over Portland State. LSU is opening a season in a Louisiana location other than Baton Rouge for the first time since 1916 when the Tigers beat then Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now Louisiana-Lafayette) in Lafayette.
LSU goes into the contest having won 14 of its past 15 season-openers and the Tigers are 54-1 in their last 55 non-conference regular season games.
ADVOCARE TEXAS KICKOFF REFUND INFORMATION
BATON ROUGE — Tickets and parking passes purchased through the LSU ticket office for the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will be automatically refunded beginning tomorrow, August 29th. Ticketholders can expect to see the balance of their purchase refunded by September 5th.
The LSU ticket office will work in conjunction with AdvoCare Texas Kickoff officials to set up a purchasing structure for that event. LSU will alert fans when tickets are available.
For more information visit http://lsutix.net or contact the LSU Tickets Office at (225) 578-2184 or toll free at 1-800-960-8587.
LSU Football getting ready for opener vs BYU
LSU Coach O getting the team fired up during practice.
Backup Soph Caleb Stevens getting in some reps at qb.
TE Aaron Moffitt hauls in a pass.
LSU backup qb Myles Brennan getting in a some throws.
Rb Clyde Edwardsa- Belaire hauls a pass in.
LSU RB Tommie Robinson at practice getting after the RB’s
LSU backup Myles Brennan rated no.4 in the nation as Pro Style QB
LSU backup RB Nick Brossette catches a pass and turns up field.
LSU backup qb Lowell Nacisse runs up field, Coach O says Nick and Myles Brennan will be used in some games this year. Nacisse stands 6’2 at 231 lbs, a big mobile qb indeed.
LSU wr DJ Chalk set to run a route.
The LSU Db’s waiting for some drills.
LSU Db Donte Jacksom getting in some stretching, he could be in the top 5 of the NFL Draft in 2018.
LSU OC Matt Canada who lead Univ of Pitts offense last year, they average 39 pts a game, and only team to beat Clemson, National Champions.
LSU Football practice 8-21-17, 11 days til the 1st game vs BYU
It’s good to be back on the LSU Campus at practice and to see the team shaping up for their 1st game of the season vs the BYU Cougars. The offense looks pretty sharp , the RBS, QBS and WRs are on target and very impressive especially with Matt Canada in charge of the offense. Mr.Canada looks like a 5 star General out there the way he demands the QBS to throw the ball and reliever it quickly. The LSU offense does look pretty good, and a lot discipline than last season, you can tell there is a different expectation in the air. The defense is still tough and looking good as usual. I got a chance to speak with DB Donte Jackson he said he always has plenty of stories to tell. Donte Jackson might be coming out this year and a very high draft choice in the first round.
LSU WRAPS UP THIRD WEEK OF PRESEASON WITH SITUTIONAL SCRIMMAGE
BATON ROUGE – LSU’s third scrimmage of the preseason focused on game situations – including field position, down-and-distance, as well as the two-minute drill and overtime – as the Tigers capped their third week of camp with 70 plays for both the No. 1 and No. 2 units here Saturday in Tiger Stadium.
LSU is now just two weeks away from its season-opener against BYU at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff for the LSU-BYU game will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 2.
“We covered a lot of situations on both offense and defense and we went through just about every special teams phase today,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “I thought our offense came out and started fast. We had a big pass play early that resulted in a touchdown. I thought the defense came out in the second half (of the scrimmage) and did a very good job of stopping the offense.”
Quarterbacks Danny Etling and Myles Brennan combined to complete 23 of 42 passes for 290 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Etling, a senior who started 10 games a year ago for the Tigers, connected on 13-of-22 passes for 168 yard and three scores, including a 57-yarder to DJ Chark.
Brennan, a true freshman took some snaps with the No. 1 offense and finished 10-of-20 for 122 yards and a TD pass to freshman Justin Jefferson. Another true freshman quarterback Lowell Narcisse scored on a 5-yard run during the overtime portion of the scrimmage.
Chark led all receivers with three catches for 89 yards, while running back Darrel Williams had three receptions for 22 yards. Stephen Sullivan, Racey McMath, Derrick Dillon, and Drake Davis all had two receptions.
Williams led a balanced rushing attack with 60 yards on 17 carries. He was followed by Clyde Edwards-Helaire with 50 yards on 13 carries, Nick Brossette with 47 yards on 12 carries and Derrius Guice finished with 48 yards on seven carries.
“Clyde Edwards-Helaire had another good day,” Orgeron said. “He was hard to tackle, made some people miss, and got a lot of tough yardage on second effort.”
Defensively, Orgeron said the Tigers recoded at least seven sacks, but could have had as many as 10 during the scrimmage.
“Our defense, especially on third down, beat the offense,” Orgeron said. “Our pass rush was superb today on third down.”
Leading the way on defense was linebacker Devin White, who had eight tackles and a tackle for loss. Other defensive leaders for the Tigers on Saturday included: defensive back Xavier Lewis (8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss), defensive end Frank Herron (7 tackles, 1 sack), linebacker Jacob Phillips (7 tackles, 1 sack), linebacker Tyler Taylor (7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss), and K’Lavon Chaisson (1 sack).
Orgeron said the players will have Sunday off before starting the fall semester on Monday. LSU will turn its attention to BYU on Tuesday.
“We finished the preseason and wrapped up camp with preseason game three,” Orgeron said. “The guys will have tomorrow off and then Monday will be “Tell the Truth Monday”. On Tuesday, we’ll start the game plan for BYU.
“We haven’t practiced for BYU yet. We’ve practiced all the stuff we need to do to get better and we have gotten better. We still have a ways to go.”
LSU Notebook
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards watched the scrimmage from the sidelines and then spoke to the team at midfield of Tiger Stadium following the scrimmage.
WR Drake Davis has switched uniform numbers from No. 25 to No. 14.
Orgeron announced that linebacker Jonathan Rucker and quarterback Caleb Lewis have both been awarded scholarships. Rucker recently earned his undergraduate degree from LSU and is currently enrolled in graduate school.
LSU De Arden Keys unlikely to play vs BYU
LSU Coach Ed Orgeron said that De Arden Keys unlikely to play in Houston vs BYU. Orgeron said Key is ahead of schedule in rehab for the injury. He was in pads for drills Thursday but has yet to take on contact.
“Today he’s taking on blocks, doing some things,” Orgeron told reporters. “I just don’t know when he’s going to be ready, what the doctors are going to say.”
Key will visit a doctor to have the shoulder rechecked next week, at which point the Tigers will determine the next step for him.
And while Orgeron doesn’t expect Key for the opener, he stopped short of ruling it out completely.
“I’m not sure, but I’m not expecting it,” Orgeron said. “But nothing that dude does surprises me.”
LSU’s second game is at home Sept. 9 against Chattanooga . The Tigers play their Southeastern Conference opener Sept. 16 at Mississippi State, which will be a good matchup and a game for Arden Keys to shine.
LSU Arden Keys getting ready to mix it up.
LSU INTRODUCES NEW SKYLINE CLUB FOR 2017, PLUS OTHER TICKET PACKAGES AND PARKING ON SALE NOW
BATON ROUGE – The new Skyline Club, located atop the south deck of Tiger Stadium, is among several ticket opportunities being offered to LSU fans for the 2017 season.
The Skyline Club, priced from $45 to $120 depending on the game, will feature an all-you-can eat special menu that is included in the price of the ticket. Additional menu items along with beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for an additional cost to those purchasing tickets in the Skyline Club.
“We are excited to be able to offer this new concept in Tiger Stadium to our fans,” LSU Vice-Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said. “The new Skyline Club will provide an affordable club-level experience for fans, while also giving us an opportunity to continue to enhance and provide unique ways to entertain them.”
The Skyline Club will be able to accommodate up to 1,500 fans in sections 650-658 of the south endzone of Tiger Stadium. The Skyline Club is open-air seating.
The new Skyline Club is one of several ticket options currently being offered to fans for the 2017 season. Other ticket opportunities to see the Tigers in Death Valley this year include:
· A limited number of two-game and three-game packages in the South Stadium Club.
o Price is $500 per seat per game (includes cost of ticket and TAF donation).
o Amenities include:
§ Exclusive entry to Tiger Stadium
§ Climate controlled lounge areas
§ Catered meals and beverages
§ Beer and wine available for purchase
§ Television monitors with instant replay and access to watch other football games both before and after the LSU contest
· Four-game packages in general seating areas of Tiger Stadium.
· A limited number of individual game tickets remain on sale for as low as $30 a seat for select games.
LSU is offering automobile season parking passes in Lots 407 and 409 as well as motorhome passes in Lot 412. These parking passes are good for only the 2017 season.
For more information on these tickets and parking options currently available for the 2017 season, visit www.LSUtix.net.
RACE INTO DEATH VALLEY: TIGER 10K SET FOR DECEMBER 3
Inaugural event includes 5k, 10k and kid’s mile races finishing at 50-yard line of Tiger Stadium
BATON ROUGE — LSU Athletics, in conjunction with SportsBR (formerly Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation) and FRESHJUNKIE Racing, are combining to bring a new race to the LSU campus – the Tiger 10K – which will have runners finish the face at the 50-yard line in Tiger Stadium.
The Tiger 10K will also offer a 5K and a kids mile option and is set to take place on Sunday, December 3, 2017. The race in and around the LSU campus will give competitors the thrill of a lifetime as the finish line will be setup at the 50-yard line of Tiger Stadium.
Participants will “Race Into Death Valley” followed by a post-race celebration outside the stadium featuring music, food, and refreshments.
“SportsBR is excited to partner with LSU Athletics and FRESHJUNKIE Racing to put together a first-class event for our community that ties the tradition of Tiger Stadium to active lifestyle events,” said Eric Engemann, President & CEO of SportsBR. “Events like Tiger 10K further enhance quality of life for all citizens of our area and provide another opportunity for our community to gather for a very unique experience.”
LSU Athletics, SportsBR and FRESHJUNKIE Racing are proud to bring the Tiger 10K to Baton Rouge for the first time and believe that it will provide a unique running experience that will attract both traditional runners and those who make this their first race.
The LSU Student Athlete Life Skills Program will be the beneficiary of the event, with a portion of the Tiger 10K proceeds supporting total student-athlete development within the LSU campus and community.
Registration for the Tiger 10K races will open August 28, 2017, on the race’s official website Tiger10K.com.
LSU BACKUP QB LINDSEY SCOTT JR. TO TRANSFER
BATON ROUGE – Backup quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr. has opted to leave LSU and transfer to another program, head coach Ed Orgeron confirmed on Monday.
“I had a very good talk with Lindsey this morning and we talked about his future,” Orgeron said. “He is a great young man from a great family. We wish him all of the best in the future.”
Scott, a native of Zachary, redshirted last year as a true freshman.
OFFENSE SHINES IN LSU’S SECOND PRESEASON GAME OF TRAINING CAMP
BATON ROUGE – Derrius Guice rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Darrel Williams added 76 yards and a pair of TDs as the Tiger offense put together an impressive performance here during LSU’s second “preseason game” of training camp on Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium.
“We just completed a fantastic preseason game No. 2,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said following the workout. “I thought our guys were highly spirited and prepared. I thought our coaches prepared our guys well and it showed.
“Our offense dominated most of the day today. I thought they came out with a great physical mindset. Darrel was a dominant player today and Derrius continues to have a fantastic camp.”
The offense wasted little time in establishing itself as Guice scored on a 60-yard touchdown run on the second play from scrimmage against the No. 1 defense.
“I thought Matt (Canada) did a tremendous job of calling the game today,” Orgeron said. “We came out very physical on offense and took it to the defense. The defense was reeling for a little while.”
Senior quarterback Danny Etling connected on 8-of-18 passes for 114 yards and a pair of interceptions, while freshman Myles Brennan completed 4-of-8 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Brennan threw a 60-yard TD pass to Mannie Netherly, while DJ Chark had a 40-yard reception from Etling.
“Danny (Etling) is our starting quarterback right now,” Orgeron said. “Nobody has beaten him out. Myles (Brennan) did practice a couple of snaps with the first team today and did well.”
Orgeron complimented the play of the offensive line, which consisted of KJ Malone at left tackle, Garrett Brumfield at left guard, Lloyd Cushenberry at center, Ed Ingram at right guard and Toby Weathersby at right tackle.
“I thought the offensive line blocked very well,” Orgeron said. “This is the first time that Toby has scrimmaged and gone full speed all camp, and you could tell the difference in our blocking. I was very pleased with the way the offensive line performed today.”
Other offensive standouts on Saturday included running back Nick Brossette, who rushed for 54 yards on 13 carries; Chark with three catches for 52 yards; Derrick Dillon two catches for 52 yards; and Jacoby Stevens with two catches for 37 yards.
Defensively, Rashard Lawrence had six tackles, including a tackle for a loss, while Glen Logan had four tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry in what was his first scrimmage of camp. Greg Gilmore and K’Lavon Chaisson both had sacks, while Grant Delpit returned an interception for a touchdown.
The Tigers also spent time during the scrimmage working on all phases of special teams.
LSU will take Sunday off and then get back to work on Monday as they starting preparing for its third preseason game of training camp, which takes place next Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium.