SEC Football: Three Things to Watch For in Week Three

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Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in front of Jacksonville State Gamecocks linebacker Quan Stoudemire (35) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Can the LSU Offense Find Balance?

Leonard Fournette and Darius Guice are the best one-two running back punch in the country. Unfortunately, they haven’t had a quarterback who can make teams respect the pass. This has led to stacked boxes, which even the best running backs of all-time would struggle to find success against.

However, last week Tiger fans were given a glimmer of hope. Much maligned quarterback Brandon Harris was benched in favor of Purdue transfer Danny Etling. Etling threw a lovely touchdown pass, but otherwise had a quiet night. He completed just six of his 14 passes for 100 yards and the aforementioned touchdown with one interception. He also had a rushing touchdown.

Despite the mediocre stats, Tiger fans are excited about Etling’s potential. The feeling seems to be that if Etling can just be average, which Harris couldn’t, then that will be enough to bring balance to the LSU offense. As an Alabama fan, I for one don’t want to see Etling succeed. A balanced LSU offense would be terrifying to play against.

I’m not sure if Etling has what it takes to balance the LSU offense. His stats at Purdue were pretty average as well. However, if he does there’s no doubt in my mind that LSU is a playoff team. The only SEC team who would pose a real threat to the Tigers would be Alabama. And the Tide is not as deep up-front as they were a season ago. I think LSU would run the table from here on if Etling could be the guy.

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