LSU an early 16-point favorite over Mississippi State

“We have to get more open for him”, Dural said.

FOURNETTE SITS OUT: LSU tailback Leonard Fournette did not play in the Tigers’ home opener against Jacksonville State Saturday night after aggravating a left ankle sprain last week that he originally hurt on August 16 in a scrimmage.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-1) defeated South Carolina Gamecocks, 27-14, last week.

When No. 21 LSU took the field before kickoff on Saturday night, Fournette was not in uniform, but rather in a purple warm-up suit.

Miles said at halftime that Harris looked “uncomfortable”.

Fournette accounted for 176 of LSU’s 257 total yards against Wisconsin, a season after leading the FBS in rushing yards per game (162.8).

“The margin of error for us is very, very thin”, Vanderbilt’s third-year coach Derek Mason said.

Miles suggested he might be “more forthcoming”, after discussing the situation with his team, but wasn’t promising anything.

The Wildcats’ collapse was especially demoralizing because it came in a home game against Southern Mississippi, a team from Conference USA. He was “not ideal by any means”, Miles said. “I just wanted to go out there and win the game for my team”.

The offense may have looked different with Etling under center, but it was not. And the most maddening thing for several SEC teams wasn’t losing, but how they lost. “It really takes pressure off us”. Change comes with execution, balance, and the ability to throw it and run it. “We need to do that again”. It’s bad and it’s something that maybe only quarterbacks can understand, and it’s something that I definitely understand. “It’s one that shared by many”.

LSU quarterback Brandon Harris has not progressed in offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s offense in 2016. “I knew how we were structured and how well my teammates had been doing all camp”. Etling had come in to replace Henry in that loss and Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell made the decision to stick with Etling moving forward in Big Ten play. “We would expect that from him. We haven’t scored any first quarter points”. “I don’t know if that’ll happen. But, yes, there would be that time that another quarterback would be considered”.

The embattled LSU football coach pulled the trigger and may have found the silver bullet that could save his job. That’s great relief work from the third and fourth string. “He makes the calls”. I certainly understand that. “Hitting the ball, we did not punt consistently”.

LSU’s Bry’Kiethon Mouton rushed for a 2-yard touchdown. That would have ranked him well outside of the top 100 last season.

Did it also yield a new starting quarterback in Danny Etling?

Jacksonville State’s Jenkins threw to Sanders for a 76-yard touchdown.

Miles is confident Growden can punt better. LSU P Josh Growden is from Sydney.

“I think he’s the kind of guy that really prepares”, Miles said. Fournette suffered a knee contusion during last weekend’s season-opening loss to Wisconsin.

“I will just do whatever the coaches say”, Etling said. “We can physically impose our will on whoever we play'”. “First of all, let’s secure victory”. “We want to get on the field now and try to play for a win because it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth when you lose”. Miles on Valentine’s play: “He played well”.

Miles stressed that he is not ready to disregard using Harris. He shoulders the load. Fournette did not play in the game.