LSU freshmen QBs T.J. Finley, Max Johnson battling for likely start vs SC
Tigers coach Ed Orgeron says starter Myles Brennan is questionable to play against Gamecocks.
LSU appears increasingly likely to start a true freshman at quarterback, as Myles Brennan continues to work back from "a significant injury."
Coach Ed Orgeron updated the status of his junior starter Monday and the battle between T.J. Finley and Max Johnson to fill his shoes Saturday against South Carolina.
"We expected (Brennan) back early during the week," Orgeron said. "I just talked to (Director of Athletic Training) Jack (Marucci). He's questionable. It's taking a little bit more time for him to heal, and he's gonna be questionable for the game."
The possibility of Finley or Johnson starting their first game garnered conversation last week as Brennan's "lower-body injury" continued to linger deeper into the week than initially anticipated.
LSU was scheduled to travel to Florida on Oct. 17 before a COVID-19 outbreak for the Gators forced the game to be postponed until Dec. 12.
Brennan would not have been available had the game been played, Orgeron said Monday.
And while the coach did not completely rule out his return for Saturday's home matchup with the Gamecocks, he did not appear optimistic that would be the case.
"It's taking a little bit more time to heal," he said. "And we thought he'd be back today, but he's not. I don't know if he's gonna play this game."
Finley and Johnson both impressed Orgeron and the staff this past week, during which he said they remained even in their reps.
And the opportunity for either player to earn Saturday's first snaps remains on the table this week, although Orgeron expects both to see game action.
"To be honest, they both had fantastic weeks," he said. "Both of 'em are very impressive. I believe both of those guys have NFL talent at quarterback. Now, they haven't been in the live action. They're both freshmen. But we're gonna practice both of those quarterbacks this week. We're gonna tell 'em, 'Whoever has the best week is gonna start.'
"And I plan on giving both of 'em a chance during the game. Either one starts, I wanna see what they can do. And the only way they can do it is under live-action."
Orgeron expects the Tigers to make a decision by Thursday evening on a starter.
"I think to be fair to them, after Thursday's practice we should tell them," he said. "Friday morning I'll sit down and tell 'em it'll be fine, just do the things they can do, that's why they were recruited here, that's why they came here.
"You know, both of those guys, I think it really helped that they were here last spring. And although we didn't have spring football, they've matured a lot, they've been in the meetings a lot, they know our offense. And again, (offensive coordinator) Steve (Ensminger) is gonna have to do what they can do. He knows what both of 'em can do. Call the game that they can manage the game."
The Tigers may also have to adjust Saturday during the game, depending on "what South Carolina gives us on defense and who best suits to play it," Orgeron said.
But the coach was thankful, in retrospect, for the extra rest and preparation provided by the unexpected bye week and the opportunity for the freshmen's first action to come in Tiger Stadium, instead of on the road.
"Last week, both of 'em were ready to start in The Swamp," Orgeron said. "So they prepared for that. They didn't know who was gonna start. So it's gonna be the same thing this week. Now we're playing at home, which should be easier for 'em. But obviously being the first game for any one of 'em, it's gonna be a little nervousness. But I think either of 'em can handle it."
Finley or Johnson would become the first true freshman to start a game for LSU since Brandon Harris completed three of 14 passes for 58 yards in a 41-7 loss at Auburn in 2014.
Harris had completed 22 of 30 attempts for 394 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in four appearances off the bench prior to that trip.
Anthony Jennings completed seven of 19 passes for 82 yards and one interception in a 21-14 Outback Bowl defeat of Iowa following the 2013 season.
The true freshman had played in eight games that season behind starter Zach Mettenberger, including a 4-for-7, 76-yard performance to survive Arkansas following Mettenberger's injury.
And redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee and true freshman Jordan Jefferson each earned starts in 2008.
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