Power running sparks Saints’ offensive success
December 4, 2013
Coach to players: ‘We need an attitude’
December 4, 2013
With a few minutes on the clock, a deficit on the scoreboard and 99 yards to pay dirt, LSU true freshman quarterback Anthony Jennings went to work.
When he was finished, a game was won, a torch was passed and a legend was born.
Friday night’s 31-27 victory for LSU over Arkansas marked the final home game for more than a dozen seniors who depart the program after stout careers filled with victories and championship-level success.
But the story following Friday’s win wasn’t the LSU upperclassmen, but rather the true freshman quarterback that made victory on this day possible.
Playing for injured starter Zach Mettenberger, who left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, Jennings led the Tigers from behind and into victory with a 99-yard drive capped on a heroic 49-yard pass to fellow freshman receiver Travin Dural.
The LSU backup had more than 70 yards passing and 26 rushing yards on the drive, which secured the Battle for the Boot for the Tigers for the third-straight year – a win that kept LSU’s hopes at a 10-win season alive.
“I have to tell you something. If you had told me that was the scenario, I would have said, ‘No way,’” LSU coach Les Miles said in disbelief following the win. “This group, there is just something about them. They’re competitive, they want to play, they make plays and no matter what the scenario, I would never count them out. Only the Tigers. It’s pretty special, and it’s special to be a part of. I’m fortunate.”
Jennings’ late heroics marked a successful ending to a tough day all-around for LSU.
Prior to losing Mettenberger, the LSU offense lost top receiver and future All-American Odell Beckham early in the game to a lower back injury. Without Beckham, LSU’s passing game was significantly altered – an ailment that forced the Tigers to shift to a more run-heavy attack centered around sophomore halfback Jeremy Hill and Terrence Magee.
The duo found success and gashed Arkansas at times, but that run-happy game plan also got derailed when center Elliott Porter and right tackle Jerald Hawkins went down – injuries that affected the Tigers’ ability to protect Mettenberger in passing situations with the Razorbacks ahead 27-21 with 6 minutes to play in the game.
The final play of the senior quarterback’s regular season came on a 32-yard strike to junior receiver Jarvis Landry – a pass that enabled LSU the field position to cut Arkansas’ lead to 27-24 with a short field goal. After being hit by the Razorbacks’ defensive line, Mettenberger’s knee twisted and then buckled, leaving the quarterback in a heap. After laying on the Tiger Stadium turf for a few minutes, Mettenberger gingerly exited under his own power to a standing ovation from 90,000 fans.
With the lead cut to three, momentum seemed to be swinging in LSU’s favor when the Tigers’ defense forced Arkansas into a three and out on the next drive.
But that momentum quickly swung firmly back to Arkansas after the Razorbacks downed punter Sam Irwin’s kick inside LSU’s 1-yard-line with just more than 3 minutes to play.
Enter Jennings into the fold.
The rest is history.
After a quarterback sneak to dig LSU out a hole, the true freshman hit tight end Dillon Gordon on a 16-yard strike – a pass he made under duress while throwing from his own end zone.
Jennings then hit Landry two plays later on an 11-yard out route to push LSU to the 30-yard line.
He showed his legs on the next snap, breaking outside the pocket and taking the ball 22 yards into Arkansas’ territory. That run put LSU in position for the touchdown play – a deep strike to Dural that was delivered perfectly on the button to set up the win.
“It’s stuff you dream of,” Hill said. “You can’t dream these things up. It was crazy. Great experience and just a great way to go out this season.”
Miles said he admired the freshman’s poise to go 99 yards in his first playing experience.
Jennings said he was just trying to help his team win.
“I felt like we were going to win the game,” Jennings said. “That’s all I was going to try to do was to win the game. I couldn’t do any of this without my coaches. Coach Cam (Cameron) put me in a great position, the O-line blocked for me, the defense got the ball back, and Travin made a great catch.”
With the win, LSU will now rest itself before the bowl season. The Tigers are rumored to be nominees for the Cotton Bowl, Capital One Bowl, Chick Fil-A Bowl and Outback Bowl – all premier destinations within the SEC.
The team’s fate will be decided next week – as will the status of LSU’s injured players, who will receive treatment throughout the coming days.
But for now, the story remains Jennings and his improbable comeback that pushed the Tigers to victory.
“I tell you one thing, don’t pretend for a minute that it doesn’t touch a coach. It touches a coach to see kids fighting like that,” Miles said. “Only the Tigers, man. Only the Tigers.”
LSU freshman quarterback Anthony Jennings runs for a first down during the fourth quarter of Friday afternoon’s win against Arkansas. Down late in the game, Jennings led LSU on a 99-yard drive to secure the victory. His performance saved Senior Night for the Tigers, who await their bowl selection.
