On Monday, I wrote about teams that are one-dimensional with quarterbacks. LSU has found itself in a rare spot. The offense for the Tigers is based on the rushing attack of one.
While Leonard Fournette has become the early Heisman favorite, he has also created an unbeaten start for LSU.
Clearly the offensive line has done some work, paving holes for Fournette to run through, but his violent running style has enabled him to bust through or leap over defenders (depending on the situation) to make his own way.
Fournette has rushed for 875 yards on 101 carries through four weeks, which accounts for more than several teams’ attacks combined across the nation. His 11 rushing touchdowns share the same distinction. Fournette has gone over 200 yards in three of his four games, and the other saw him accumulate a measly 159 yards against Mississippi State.
Simply put, Fournette has been an animal this season.
While he has been impressive, Fournette’s body of work also leads to more questions regarding some of his teammates. One of the main issues for LSU last season on the offensive side of the ball was the play of quarterback Anthony Jennings.
In 13 games last season, Jennings completed just 49 percent of his passes. While he did throw 11 touchdowns, Jennings also tossed seven interceptions. There were times last season when Jennings was the only thing holding back the Tigers’ offense, as Fournette averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
After taking the helm of the offense this season, Brandon Harris has not been much better. Through four games, Harris has completed just 34-of-64 passes for 386 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
The dynamic Harris brings is that he’s a more effective runner. Harris has rushed for 143 yards and just under a six-yard average, with three scores. Last season, Jennings averaged under three yards per carry.
Either way, how will things look for LSU when it begins to face some of the more stout defenses against the run in the SEC West, such as Alabama? The same issues which plagued the Tigers last season — when they got completely one-dimensional against stronger teams in the conference — could harm them again. LSU’s lack of offensive balance led to a five-loss campaign in 2014; we’ll soon see how this offense measures up in 2015.
Any good running attack needs at least a credible quarterback to open up holes and keep added numbers of defensive players out of the tackle box. LSU has not been able to show this at all in the past few years, which has led to Les Miles’ squad being average in the conference.
In the past three season under Miles, LSU has gone 15-9 in the SEC, including seasons of 5-3 in 2013 and 4-4 last year. Much of this has come from the struggle to find a consistent and balanced offensive attack.
Having a Heisman candidate is great, and if Fournette keeps at his current pace, he very well may win the award. However, he is going to need some help from the passing game if LSU plans to fulfill its eventual team aspirations.
Yes, Fournette has been the best player in the nation so far, but is he the ultimate key to his team’s success in terms of wins and losses? You can say yes if you want to, but the mere reality that you probably had to think about that question before answering it is proof enough that LSU needs more from the passing game, more production from other sources which can make Fournette’s autumn so much easier.
