A breakout performance by an LSU running back came from an unlikely candidate Saturday night.
Alley Broussard, Justin Vincent and Jacob Hester were almost forgotten men in the Tigers’ 49-7 win over Tulane.
True freshman Charles Scott anchored the Tigers’ offensive attack with 15 carries for 101 yards, which was the first 100-yard game this season by an LSU running back.
Vincent, who started the game, finished with six yards on only two carries, and Hester rushed for 21 yards on four carries in the win.
Broussard, on the other hand, did not have a carry in the game.
LSU has used the running-back-by-committee approach in its first three games this season.
Going into Saturday night’s contest, Broussard led the team in rushing with 92 yards on 26 carries. Scott entered the game second with 86 yards on only nine carries. Hester was third on the team with 70 yards, and Vincent was fourth with 68 rushing yards.
Miles said the Green Wave’s defense and the performance of LSU’s other running backs had no effect on his decision to feature Scott in the offense.
“He got loose the first couple of times [and we] decided to stay with him a little bit,” Miles said. “It’s nice to have a back over 100 yards.”
Left guard Will Arnold said improving the running game was a major focus during this past week’s practice sessions.
“We definitely emphasized the run this week,” he said. “We talked about going out there and getting our running game established. I felt we went out there tonight and did that and did a good job of [establishing the run].”
Arnold said Scott’s work ethic and off-the-field character made him happy to see the Saline native have a good game.
“It’s fun watching him run,” Arnold said. “I’m glad that he had a good game. He’s a real good guy. [He] works real hard and you can tell by watching him run.”
The Tigers’ running attack has been inconsistent so far this season. After rushing for 170 yards against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and 231 yards against the University of Arizona, a stiff Auburn defense held LSU to 42 yards on the ground en route to handing LSU its only loss this season.
Saturday, LSU wide receiver Early Doucet sparked the Tigers’ rushing game, which totaled 172 yards, with a 17-yard touchdown run that gave LSU a 14-0 first-quarter lead.
Doucet’s speed or athleticism is not what sprung him loose for the first score, but a key block by quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Following the game Russell also praised Scott’s performance, but said the freshman still needs to work on ball control and adjust to getting hit.
Doucet said neither he nor his teammates have ever doubted Scott’s playing ability.
“Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been recruited here,” Doucet said. “Charles got his opportunity tonight and did real well.”
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