The Daily Reveille sports staff shares their thoughts on LSU’s game against Syracuse.

Evan Saacks | Unnecessary Quarterback Controversy

Many LSU fans hoped the days of the two-quarterback system ended with the departure of Les Miles, but were proven wrong Saturday night. Freshman quarterback Myles Brennan’s significant playing time in the second half vs Syracuse was not only surprising, but forced and unnecessary.

Brennan entered the game in the third quarter with LSU only leading by 11 points. He remained in the game until only 5:41 was left on the clock, by which point the lead had been trimmed to 2.

Brennan’s insertion into the game was also curious because it came on the heels of two impressive touchdowns throws from senior quarterback Danny Etling.

Brennan will have plenty of time to learn before he is likely thrust into the starting role in 2018. Crunch-time against a Power 5 opponent is the time for a 5th-year senior. Not the true freshman.   

William Taylor Potter | Punters are people too

No LSU fans would disagree with me saying this game should not have been nearly as close as it was. And if LSU had half of Syracuse’s punting success, it probably would have been the blowout most people expected.

Instead, LSU suffered from lackluster punting courtesy of sophomore Josh Growden. The Aussie averaged 34.7 yards on three kicks, none of which were downed inside the 20. The Orange, meanwhile, had seven punts for an average of 46.7 yards and five inside the 20, including one downed on the one.

Growden has never been the star punter that Brad Wing was, but he did manage to improve over the course of last season. He’ll have to make some major strides or else the duties will remain upon the shoulders of 27-year-old redshirt freshman Zach Von Rosenberg.

Brandon Adam | Playmakers on the outside

Two weeks ago LSU coach Ed Orgeron said that the Tigers did not have the depth or talent to run four receiver sets.

However, it appears he does.

Sophomore receivers Drake Davis and Stephen Sullivan were both crucial in the win against Syracuse. Sullivan caught a 43-yard touchdown pass right before halftime and Davis caught an 87-yard touchdown pass to open the second half. The two big targets are both averaging over 40 yards a catch, and are the only receivers to catch a touchdown this season.

It’s time for LSU to start burning teams who dare them to throw the ball, and Davis and Sullivan can help do that.

Kennedi Landry | Offensive line woes continue

For all of the talk about LSU’s ongoing quarterback problems, the offensive line is suffering a lot more right now.

The struggle of the offensive line directly impacts the efficiency of the quarterback. A quarterback is only as good as his line allows him to be, and the LSU’s offensive line left Etling scrambling out of the pocket on almost every play against Syracuse.

With the experience of the offensive line, there is no reason for Etling to be left to his own devices multiple times throughout a game. When he’s given time, Etling shows he can be one of most efficient people on the field.

After a slow start to the first half against Syracuse, Etling finished the game with 188 yards passing and two touchdowns, including a career high 87 yard touchdown pass to sophomore Drake Davis. To get more of these type of performances out of him, the offensive line needs to step up and provide Etling with the protection he needs to lead this team.