Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs, where I break down what went right and what went wrong for the LSU Tigers! This week, I look at LSU’s big win over Texas A&M.
1st Down: Etling Dominates in Second Half
If there’s one game that Danny Etling gets up for, it’s the Texas A&M game. In both meetings, he put up at least 300 yards through the air.
The last few weeks have been up and down for the Tigers quarterback with a serious debate about possibly starting Myles Brennan to get him some seasoning before he gets the reins in 2018. Give credit to Orgeron for not giving up on his quarterback and that will be a positive sign for someone like Brennan.
2nd Down: Defense Puts Clamps on Starkel
The defense needed to keep the Aggies below 50 points to guarantee a win on Saturday. Their defensive efforts didn’t go unnoticed, getting three interceptions in the ballgame and sacking Nick Starkel twice.
While the offense had been suspect from time to time, Dave Aranda’s defense remained a constant source of positivity and their performance on Saturday was another reason why he’s one of the best in the country. Another feather in his cap was holding the Aggies to a grand total of 282 yards. Sure they had some stumbles to start the second half, but the overall performance was still great.
3rd Down: Edwards-Helaire Gives Glimpse Into Future
With Derrius Guice likely headed to the NFL next year, it felt like we got a slight glimpse into the future with Clyde Edwards-Helaire popping up late in the game with a solid 24-yard kick return and a solid 27-yard reception. It’s a very limited sample size, but you have to think this is a positive sign that the run game will be in good hands with Helaire and Williams in the backfield.
4th Down: Last Hurrah for Canada?
With “silly season” officially in full swing, it’s an interesting time when it comes to the coaching staff at LSU. One name that could be considered for one of these head coaching vacancies has to be Matt Canada.
Ed Orgeron understands the brevity of this situation when he mentioned that he’d understand if he loses his star offensive coordinator. The biggest issue for this team if Canada does leave is getting them adjusted to another type of offensive system for the second straight season. Many fans of LSU will need to keep their fingers crossed that they can keep the offensive guru that was able to help Danny Etling become an improved quarterback.
-Clint Domingue