LSU saw its usual stars pad statistics in the No. 11 Tigers’ 48-16 win against Football Championship Subdivision foe Furman. But when the Tigers (7-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) needed a big play, the less experienced players provided the spark to break away from the lingering Paladins (3-5, 2-2 Southern Conference).
Unlikely offensive linemen, running backs and defensive backs played key roles in achieving the Tigers’ season-high 672 yards of total offense.
“That was probably the greatest plus of the day,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “We played a lot of young guys on offense and defense.”
Junior running back Terrence Magee rushed for 108 yards on only seven attempts and scored twice. His first touchdown came early in the third quarter when the Tigers led by only four points. Then, early in the fourth quarter, Magee scored on a 39-yard touchdown run to seal the victory.
“I think Terrence Magee is that guy every snap,” Miles said. “He is a talented guy who deserves snaps.”
It was Magee’s second 100-yard rushing game and second multiple touchdown game of the season. The Franklinton, La., native rushed for 108 yards in the victory against Kent State and scored twice in the season opener against TCU.
Freshman Melvin Jones, originally listed as a linebacker, caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger late in the third quarter when the LSU offense started to break away. The catch was the first of Jones’ LSU career.
“Melvin Jones has been waiting for his chance all year,” Magee said. “Finally, he got one tonight. He stepped in and played a key role.”
In the trenches, freshman Ethan Pocic started at center for the first time in his collegiate career, replacing junior Elliott Porter.
“I thought Ethan Pocic did great,” Miles said. “There wasn’t a missed snap. I thought his assignments were very, very good. I don’t think he had any problems with protection. For a first-time starter, I thought he did great.”
Junior Evan Washington filled the right tackle spot in place of junior offensive tackle La’el Collins. Washington and Pocic dominated the line and opened gaps for Tiger running backs to gain 332 rushing yards.
On the opposite side of the ball, freshman cornerback Dwayne Thomas had the best game of his young career. Defensive coordinator John Chavis blitzed Thomas twice off the corner, sacking Furman sophomore quarterback Reese Hannon both times and forcing one fumble.
Whenever the offense and defense struggled, the emergence of young and inexperienced players lifted the Tigers past the Paladins.
“Next week, it might be another guy sitting there waiting on his turn,” Magee said. “You never know. You just have to stay patient and keep preparing as if you are the starter. “