LSU Football: Fournette Will Lead Nation in Rushing for First Time in 2016

Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; MVP LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) and head coach Les Miles talks to a reporter after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium. LSU won 56 to 27. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; MVP LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) and head coach Les Miles talks to a reporter after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium. LSU won 56 to 27. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

It is a popular misconception among college football fans that LSU football star Leonard Fournette led the nation in total rushing yards last season.  While several factors led to that not being true, he will accomplish the feat in 2016.

LSU football star Leonard Fournette did lead the nation in average rushing yards per game with 162.75 last season, which leads many to believe he must have led the country in total rushing yards.  That wasn’t the case, though, as he failed to even lead the SEC in rushing.

It wasn’t due to his poor performance against Alabama, though.

LSU football was shorted one game last season when their home opener against McNeese State was cancelled due to lightning.  That and the absence of a run to the SEC Championship Game left LSU football with too few games to lead the nation in rushing last year.  

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That will change, though, as Fournette will be a year stronger and more prepared.  LSU football saw several key contributors along the offensive line return as well.   Those factors, combined with there being no way they cancel their season opener at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin is cancelled, will lead to Fournette having a surplus of opportunities to boost his season total compared to a year ago.

LSU football always has a stable full of elite running backs and that usually keeps them from having contenders for any type of individual glory.  Fournette, though, is on another level completely.

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He’ll get the touches he needs and the glory will be his in 2016, although LSU football won’t be able to share in it due to Miles insistence of keeping Cam Cameron.  Fournette finished last season as a Consensus All-American and 6th in the Heisman voting.  He’ll do even better in 2016, though, as he’ll lead the nation in rushing and at least be invited to New York.