The LSU Tigers Spring game standouts gave the fans a strong showing on Saturday inside Tiger Stadium. The game was pass-heavy without the team giving away too much of what is to come during the 2021 season. All four quarterbacks had their fair share of playing time, and none of them disappointed. The defense already looks much improved from the abysmal 2020 season.
On Saturday, LSU brought back the energy into Tiger Stadium for the first time this year in front of fans. What a game it was, as the White team held off the Purple team for a 23-14 victory.
LSU Spring Game Standouts
Offense
The four scholarship quarterbacks all get standout awards for their terrific performances. Myles Brennan finished 12-of-20 for 116 yards and a touchdown. Max Johnson completed 11-of-17 passes for 180 yards and two scores. TJ Finley went 10-of-18 for 84 yards. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier went 15-of-25 for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Of the four signal-callers, Johnson had the best game. But Nussmeier proved that he can be in contention for a backup spot. While the competition is still ongoing, the Tigers have four worthy players that could start under center. Plus, Brennan looked like his old self from last season before he was injured.
At wide receiver, Jontre Kirklin may have put himself in a prime position to be the starting receiver opposite of Kayshon Boutte. Kirlkin finished with 16 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Granted, he put up those numbers while playing for both the White and Purple teams.
The running game was led by Tyrion Davis-Price, who carried the ball 15 times for 81 yards for Team White. Nick Demas, who converted to the position from a linebacker, had seven carries for 18 yards for Team Purple.
Defense
The defense on both teams put forth a great showing. After the unit struggled in 2020, new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones looks to be the right person for the job.
On Team Purple, Jared Small led the way with 14 total tackles and an interception. BJ Ojulari had three tackles with two sacks and two tackles for loss. Soni Fonua forced a fumble and had three tackles. Derek Stingley Jr. also had an interception.
For Team White, sophomore Jaquelin Roy had four tackles and three sacks. Antoine Sampah finished with three tackles and one interception. Ray Jones had the second interception for Team White.
Final Thoughts
The LSU Tigers Spring Game was a success in the eyes of the coaching staff. For the offense, it was a fun-filled outing that gives hope to a team that looks to rebound after using three quarterbacks last season. But for the defense, this was a chance to prove the doubters wrong. The Tigers did just that, all while using players that could see valuable rotation time in the 2021 season.
While the running game wasn’t as explosive as some wanted, the unit is still primed for a solid season on the ground. Saturday was meant for the LSU quarterbacks to shine. They did just that and much more as the team had their first scrimmage with fans in attendance. Now, it’s on to the 2021 season. LSU opens at UCLA in Pasadena, California on September 4.
