The No. 16 LSU football team’s offense has finally found its identity, and its discovery stems from the increased confidence sophomore quarterback Anthony Jennings has found.
The Tigers’ offense sputtered early in Southeastern Conference play, struggling to find a smooth game plan that could move the offense down the field at a consistent rate. But over the last three SEC games, Jennings’ growing ability to control the game and to have confidence in his check-down targets have made all the difference.
“Every game we get more and more comfortable with the offense and the guys around you,” Jennings said after a 41-3 win against Kentucky on Oct. 18. “This game was a building step to getting better each week. Just going out and executing and having those guys around you is a big confidence boost.”
Jennings was in desperate need of a confidence boost a month ago.
ESPN color commentator Kirk Herbstreit noted during the network’s broadcast of LSU’s 10-7 upset of No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday that Jennings appeared anxious in the pocket if his primary target wasn’t open. He elected to throw the ball away, or in some cases, get sacked instead of furthering his progressions.
Jennings’ lack of confidence lent itself to LSU’s rough start in the SEC, and the Tigers lost to Mississippi State in a game not nearly as close as the 34-29 final might indicate.
The Bulldogs sacked Jennings three times and held him to a 50 percent completion percentage. Jennings was benched late in the game in favor of freshman Brandon Harris, who threw two touchdown passes on nine attempts to put the Tigers within striking distance.
Harris’ strong outing eventually earned him the start two weeks later against Auburn. But after the freshman’s shaky outing against the SEC West rival, Jennings got a second chance to be the leader of what had been a less-than-impressive offense up to that point.
Jennings didn’t waste his opportunity, and the offense found its groove.
LSU put the bulk of the offense on its running backs’ shoulders, asking the quarterback to manage the game to the best of his ability.
And that’s what Jennings did.
Jennings has begun to do the things coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron have been looking for, and it’s apparent in Jennings’ progressions.
Through two SEC contests, the Tigers had a total of 85 receiving yards from their running backs and tight ends, with most of those yards coming late in a failed come-from-behind attempt against Mississippi State.
The lack of progression in the passing game led LSU to a 0-2 start in the SEC. But since then, the Tigers are 3-0 against SEC opponents due to Jennings’ improvement in his progressions.
LSU has gained 162 yards through the air from running backs and tight ends during the three-game span.
Sophomore wide receiver Travin Dural said Jennings’ ability to check the ball down in the backfield has helped the offense spread out opposing defenses.
“It lets us know that we’re not the only one who’s going to make plays in the passing game,” Dural said. “We know our running backs can catch and that’s going to help us out a lot — being that sometimes we split them out wide, and they’re a threat to catch the ball.”
Jennings’ ability to utilize the running backs in recent weeks has helped open up the Tigers’ run game. LSU rushed for 762 yards during its three-game SEC winning streak, getting the offense back to its roots.
Miles said Jennings is starting to understand the quarterback position better and is becoming more accurate with his throws and decision-making.
“He continues to do the things that we want him to do more,” Miles said. “He’s becoming more accurate. He understands the style of throws better. His leadership in those things that are not necessarily his plays allow him to make ten other players better, so that needs to continue.
Senior running back Terrence Magee has been Jennings’ favorite check down target in recent weeks. The Franklinton, Louisiana, native has gained 89 yards receiving in the past two games, with each reception gaining at least 12 yards.
Magee said the running backs have become a safety valve for Jennings late in his progressions, and they have become wiser in reading the defense.
“A lot of times us as tailbacks, we want to stay and protect because we don’t want to give up a sack,” Magee said. “We have to be wise and see what’s going on with the defense and what blitz they’re sending, and know that we have the ability to get out and let Anthony check it down to us.”
Jennings hasn’t looked back since regaining his starting role in the offense, and it’s apparent he’s becoming more confident with each passing week.
“I think he’s gaining confidence,” Magee said. “With every practice he’s going out there and he’s improving and getting better.”
You can reach Jack Chascin on Twitter @Chascin_TDR.
LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings’ confidence helps Tigers’ offense find identity
By Jack Chascin
October 27, 2014
More to Discover