In last season’s Outback Bowl, then-LSU freshman Anthony Jennings thrived within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, completing six of 10 passes for 53 yards.
The rain, the pressure of his first career start or maybe the game plan kept Jennings from showing off his arm strength, and he finished the game with only one completion more than twenty yards beyond the line
of scrimmage.
But in this season’s first two games, Jennings’ big play potential has been on display. The LSU football team will look to showcase its explosive offense at 6 p.m. tomorrow against University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Despite ranking 118th out of 124 qualified quarterbacks in completion percentage, the sophomore is in the top half of the nation in passing yards and touchdowns thanks to his downfield passing.
Fourteen of Jennings’ 34 attempts have traveled more than 20 yards in the air and account for more than 57 percent of the first year starter’s yards.
ULM (2-0, 1-0 Sun Belt) ranks top third in yards per passing attempt allowed and will look to slow down the Tigers (2-0, 0-0) big plays.
LSU senior running back Terrence Magee said Jennings came to LSU as a great thrower but spent the offseason improving his downfield accuracy.
“It’s always something he’s been able to do, but like anything it takes time and you have to continue to work to fine tune the little things,” Magee said. “After the bowl game, going through spring and going through fall camp, he has had a chance to work on those things and know it’s paying off for him.”
According to freshman wide receiver John Diarse, Jennings’ tendency to look downfield while extending the play comes from offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
“[Cameron] tells the quarterbacks that we have the ability to extend the play and as receivers we have to be able to run the route,” Diarse said. “If you don’t get it, turn into a blocker. If you’re not a blocker, you’re trying to get open … It’s all strategic with the things Coach Cam does upstairs in the booth.”
Players said the offense has been explosive since Cameron took over as offensive coordinator last year, but Magee said the Tigers have hit their stride quicker than in past years.
“I think we were just as explosive last year, we were just able to capitalize on things a little bit earlier this year,”
Magee said.
Sophomore wide receiver Travin Dural has been on the receiving end of all Jennings’ passes thrown over 20 yards.
Dural said Jennings is delivering great passes that allow him to get beyond the secondary, but pointed out that the offensive line is giving him the time he needs to get down the field.
“The offensive line is doing a great job of giving him time to throw the ball and put it where it needs to be,” Dural said. “It is a collective effort. It starts with the offensive line.”
But with ULM, the Tigers’ offensive line might have its hands full giving its quarterback the time he needs to look down the field. The Warhawks’ defense recorded 10 sacks in two games this season, the fourth-highest rate in the
country.
LSU left guard Vadal Alexander said the offensive line will do what it takes to get Jennings the time he needs to get those big plays.
“If we can get that result, we’ll hold our block for years,” Alexander said.