After the Tigers’ 34-13 win against Jacksonville State, LSU quarterback Danny Etling met with the media shortly after his debut 6-for-14, 100-yard performance with one passing touchdown, one rushing and an interception against the Gamecocks.

When Les Miles said, ‘You’re in,’ what else did he say?

“He decided we were going to make a change at that time. He didn’t say much, just said, ‘go out and be yourself, make some nice decision to put us in position to win us the game.’”

Nervous?

“Maybe a little bit. Just wanted to go out there and win the game.”

 
You hit that big pass to Desean, your first touchdown pass in Tiger Stadium. What did that feel like?

“It was a pretty cool feeling. It was pretty nice, especially because we were down at the time. It was nice to put ourselves in a position to succeed.”

 
Did you have any idea that you were going to play this week?

“I always expect I’m going to play every week, so if it happens, I’m not caught off guard. So I prepared just like I would play.”

 
Did anything in the game surprise you?
“No. Not too much. Would like to have a couple of plays back. We’re going to keep improving for next week.”
You seemed to throw to the tight ends more than we typically see, were those called plays? Check downs?
“Mixture of both. Couldn’t tell you right now until I see the film. I think it was a mixture of coach calling some nice play calls and me going through my progression.
When you came in, the crowd went wild. Did you feel like you were an energy boost out there?

“I think we have a nice team, a good team, and they’ll rally around the next man up. They did that for me today.”

 
Did you and Brandon talk during the game?

“Yeah, he was very supportive of me during the game. He’s a great teammate. He wants us to win the game too.”

 
What happens now with the quarterback competition?

“I imagine we’re going to keep competing. If I start out slow, then we’ll try and go a different way. It’s all about production and making good decisions for the team. If I’m not doing that, then I’d expect them to go a different way as well.”

At practice this past week, did you take more of a role with the first string?

“I took some snaps here and there for the first string. They always do that with me as well.”

Expect to take more this week?

“I’ll do whatever the coaches say. Whatever they kind of tell me to do, I’m going to do.”

You lost your job at Purdue a couple years ago and here you are. Take us through this journey with you.

“Football. It’ll bring you to your knees sometimes. It’ll be sad, it’ll knock you down. If you don’t love the game, you can’t really bounce back. I was a young kid at Purdue. I’ve grown up a lot this year. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum. It’s never fun. This position, it’s one of criticism, it’s one that will bring a lot of attention as well. Obviously, take it with a grain of salt and keep rolling.”

 
What did you learn from that stuff at Purdue?
“Learn how prepare for games. Learn how to be a college quarterback. Learn how to be the best you can be and win games.”
How do you think you did today?

“I had an OK first half. Would’ve liked to have a much better second half. Then again, I’m not too worried. We’re going to keep improving as a team. I think I’ll bounce back next week.”

What happened in second half?

“I missed a couple of throws here and there. I wished I had a couple of those back. I wasn’t too down on my decisions, I just have to make some better throws. If I do make those decisions, they have to be A-plus throws.”

What happened at Purdue? Did it prepare you for this situation?

“I think so. You know, a lot of the plays we had tonight — on special teams and on defense, I didn’t really get at Purdue or in high school. So it’s nice to be a part of a team win like this.”

Do you feel like this is a great supporting cast you have so you just have to get them the ball and they’ll do the rest?

“Yeah. To any extent you just want to be a facilitator. At times, you’ll be asked to do more to win games. At times, you’ll be asked to do less just to win the game. Be ready for both.”

 
How different do you feel now, as a quarterback, than you did the last time you played in college? 

“Shoot, worlds of difference. I’m understanding where to look. I’ve had great coaching at both places. I’ve grown up.”

 
When Cam sold you on coming here, was this part of the vision?
“I don’t know if this was the exact vision. He kind told me that I would be a part of a winning program and great coaching.”

On the QB competition after spring, Les said this is Brandon’s team. Did you know about that, or what did he tell you?

“He [Miles] always wants competition. You know you just kind of keep competing and keep pushing each other …

“Honestly I didn’t really focus on the competition too much. I just focused on getting better.”  

Having been there yourself, can you empathize with the situation he’s in?

“I emphasize a lot with him. It’s not a fun position. It’s terrible. It’s something maybe only quarterbacks can understand. Something I definitely understand and I really wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. We’re definitely going to need him this season to keep improving.”

 
What he saw from the defense on the TD pass to DeSean Smith?
“Once they motioned over, I was able to identify and narrow down my read to high-low and Desean popped open.”
Danny, it appeared your decision making was quick. Is that how you felt?

“It was pretty clear out there. I knew who was going to be open and what the defense was going to do with themselves. I made some errant throws here and there.”

 
Which ones do you want back?

“The one I want back is obviously the interception. The last one to Malachi I would like to put that more hang on it. Once I see the film I’ll look more. We had some plays were I think I could’ve put it on a guy.”

You’re on the sideline last week, watching the offense struggle last week, was that frustrating?

“Whenever you’re not able to be on the field, it’s frustrating and also could see how the game followed.”

When walked out to the field for the first time, how was that?

“People were kind of cheering and was I trying to get a play call. So I tried to get everyone calmed down so we could go about our business.”

Did you expect to come in as early as you did?

“Um, yes. I always expect to play, I always look at the first play in case someone gets hurt or anything like that. I want to make sure that I’m ready for the team and we don’t take a huge step down.”

Why do you think you lost the job at Purdue?

“I don’t know, I’ve done a lot of introspective thinking on that one. I think it’s a mixture of things, I think I wasn’t ready when I first played and kind of battled some injuries some well. I think I’ve improved a lot and I can be what this team needs me to be.”