True freshmen will be true freshmen and rainy conditions will always make for tougher football.
Such was the tune of LSU’s 20-7 loss to Texas A&M in a game where no team looked particularly good and no one quarterback (of three) stole the show.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron still hasn’t come to a rock solid decision on a quarterback in Brennan’s absence, though Finley has started all four contests since Brennan’s injury.
“We’re going to see this week,” Orgeron said this week. “We’re going to practice both of them, then make that decision at the end of the week according to the game plan and what we need to get done on offense.”
Here’s a look into how Finley, Johnson and Mond grade out after Saturday’s showing.
TJ Finley, LSU
It’s been a rollercoaster of ups-and-downs for the true freshman quarterback — but let’s put some emphasis on the experience level for a moment, as well as the situation Finley has been thrust in.
He hasn’t played a down of college football in his life until this year, and he was unexpectedly thrown into the fire in a year after LSU lost nearly all the makings of its national championship team from 2019.
Finley was pulled in the second half for good after he completed 9-of-25 passing attempts for 118 yards with two interceptions. He did have a touchdown pass the was called back (highly questionable call by the refs here, eh?), throwing an errant interception that took anything resembling momentum away from LSU on the very next play.
Finley may have gotten chewed by his coach while when he was replaced by Johnson, and rightfully so, it’s hard to excuse decision-making like that. But there is a world of potential to work with here, and he’s already shown flashes as well as a rare sense of composure in the pocket and comfort in the offense, especially for his level of experience.
Grade: D