Saturday, LSU junior quarterback Danny Etling will likely make his first career start in nearly 718 days.
Etling is expected to replace junior quarterback Brandon Harris. Both earned their first career start under similar circumstances.
Against New Mexico State Sept. 27, 2014, Harris’ 11-for-14 178-yard, three-touchdown performance earned him the starting job for at least one week.
The following week, Harris was a shell of himself with a 3-for-14, 58-yard performance, as Auburn defeated the Tigers 41-7 on the road at Jordan-Hare
Stadium.
However, Etling’s first career start at LSU will be in the friendly confines of Tiger Stadium, which should help with his “calm” demeanor.
“He has a calm presence,” sophomore offensive guard Will Clapp said. “He doesn’t get rattled or anything like that.”
Also, history is on Etling’s side this weekend. The last 12 quarterbacks to make their first start inside Tiger Stadium have won.
Etling’s ascension to the starting gig wasn’t surprising to most players, considering his work ethic.
“He’s a guy that just doesn’t stop working,” Clapp said.
Even though Etling didn’t play last season because of NCAA transfer rules, LSU coach Les Miles didn’t think he would grasp the offense so fast.
“I didn’t expect him to come and understand it as quickly as he has,” Miles said.
While Etling provided a spark to the offense and brought life to a struggling LSU passing game, Miles said not to expect a huge difference in the scheme.
“We’re not going to change our game plan,” Miles said on the “Les Miles Show” Wednesday night. “It’s going to be very similar to the plan we would’ve run no matter who the quarterback is.”
Harris may be relegated to watching on the sidelines, but coming out of spring, he was the unquestioned starter.
For the majority of spring and fall practice, Harris took the first-team reps, so senior tight end Colin Jeter highlighted the importance of keeping a positive attitude during Harris’ current situation as the presumed backup.
Miles said Harris was ready to be the quarterback and the leader of team in April, too.
“You certainly can’t get down on yourself at any time because football’s already a mental sport,” Jeter said. “I think Brandon will be fine. He’s going to come back to work just like he’s always done.”
Etling will take the first snaps under center against Mississippi State, but Miles alluded to the opportunity for Harris to return as the starter.
“Sometimes that third hole batter gets in a slump and he can’t quite handle it,” Miles said. “Suddenly you move him to the second spot and he’s hitting the heck out of the ball. He’s clutch, and he’s everything you ever wanted. There’s no closed door entry to the game.”