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College Football

It’s never a good day when your top two quarterbacks transfer out with less than three weeks to opening day. This is the state of affairs at LSU as quarterbacks Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan both transferred out. Both were upset over the pecking order although no one really knows which was one and which was two. Embattled head coach Ed Orgeron did not divulge much more than that on Wednesday. There is a silver lining.

The departures leave LSU with two quarterbacks, junior Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow and sophomore Myles Brennan. Brennan was last year’s back-up but appeared to be behind Narcisse and McMillan this spring. Burrow, according to his former Buckeye head coach Urban Meyer, is ready to be the starter for the Purple and Gold. Both of these guys have the ability to be The Guy. More importantly, they have the desire. LSU needs desire and dedication and now with the divas gone, they do.

By the Numbers

Following Saturday’s scrimmage, none of the quarterbacks (by Orgeron’s own comments and stats) had appeared to be a front-runner.

“We’re not pushing that,” he said. “We’re going to let the process happen throughout camp. We haven’t gone through a lot of situations yet. Still early.”

Justin McMillan: 8 of 13, 83 yards, long of 30

Myles Brennan: 5 of 10, 94 yards, long of 36

Lowell Narcisse: 6 of 14, 122 yards, 1 touchdown, long of 40

Joe Burrow: 7 of 13, 118 yards, long of 37

LSU quarterback reputation

With seven, LSU has had more quarterbacks drafted into the NFL in the past 20 years than any other SEC team.

Ensminger, himself a former LSU quarterback and current offensive coordinator, says all the right things; however there is a problem. The problem is development. LSU has had the talent but not the results. With the departures of Narcisse and McMillan, the job may have become simpler. Remember Georgia quarterback Eric Zeier? He spent six years in the NFL after coming under the tutelage of Ensminger.

Burrow v Brennan

Both Burrow and Brennan are built like NFL quarterbacks. Where Zeier was 6’1, 214, Burrow is 6’4″ 216. Brennan is 6’5″ 183. Burrow has produced when called upon at OSU. The former Buckeye was 29 of 39 for 287 and 2 TD’s in 10 games as a back-up. Brennan last season showcased in six games putting up a modest 14 of 24 for 182, a score and two picks.

Brennan’s advantage is familiarity with Ensminger and the spread offense. His detriment at the moment remains decision-making at critical moments.

Burrow, a graduate transfer, has two years of eligibility for the Tigers. He battled through the spring with Danny Haskins at Ohio State. Unable to win the battle, Burrow jumped from the frying pan into the fire with his transfer to LSU and the SEC.

Burrow’s has arm strength, a quick release and mobility. The disadvantage before Burrow is his ceiling. He may have reached it.

The Final Word

The pecking order for these two is as unclear as the pecking order was for Narcisse and McMillan. These two don’t seemed concerned with the pecking order. What seems to be the most important is their desire to start for LSU. With 16 days till the Miami game, Orgeron and Ensminger have been given a gift. They had better take advantage of it. If not, it will be a long season in Baton Rouge.