Tag: T.J. Finley

Stats from Auburn’s 34-24 win over Georgia State

Here are the stats from Auburn’s win on Saturday.

Stats from Auburn’s 34-24 win over Georgia State

Scoring

Georgia State opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal to give them an early 3-0 lead after both teams punted on their possession. 

Auburn wasted no time responding, making field goals on back-to-back drives to take a 6-3 lead late in the first quarter. Georgia State retook the lead on a touchdown pass from Darren Grainger to Jamri Trash, giving the Panthers a 10-6 lead. 

Auburn answered with their third field goal of the game, but the Panthers marched right back down the field and scored another touchdown to make it a 17-9 game. 

Carlson made his fourth field of the game to make it a 17-12 game with 2:54 left in the first half. The score would not last as Georgia State scored on a 50-yard run from Tucker Gregg to make it a 24-12 game. 

Auburn opened the scoring in the second half when Caylin Newton blocked a punt and Barton Lester jumped on the punt for a touchdwon. The play cut it to a 24-19 Georgia State lead.

Auburn took over at its own 2-yard line with 3:23 left in the game with one last chance to win the game. Auburn drove 98 yards in 13 plays as T.J. Finley escaped pressure and found Shedrick Jackson for a 10-yard touchdown on 4th down. Finley found Kobe Hudson fror the 2-point conversion and Auburn led 27-24.

Smoke Monday ended the game with a pick-six on the next drive to give Auburn a 34-24 win.

Team Stats 

Total yards: AU 419, GSU 384

Passing yards: AU 253, GSU 117

Rushing yards: AU 166, GSU 267

First downs: AU 21, GSU 20

Third downs: AU 9-20, GSU 7-16

Sacks: AU 3, GSU 2

Tackles for loss: AU 10, GSU 6

Penalties: AU 6-65, GSU 2-20

Individual Stats

Bo Nix: 13 of 27, 156 yards, 2 rushes for 0 yards

T.J. Finley: 9 of 16, 97 yards and 1 touchdown, 3 rushes for 15 yards

Tank Bigsby: 18 carries for 60 yards, 1 reception for 5 yards

Jarquez Hunter: 10 carries for 62 yards, 2 receptions for 6 yards

Shaun Shivers: 2 carries for 29 yards, 1 reception for 3 yards

Kobe Hudson: 5 receptions for 76 yards

Shedrick Jackson: 4 receptions for 70 yards and 1 touchdown

John Samuel Shenker: 2 receptions for 26 yards

Ja’Varrius Johnson: 2 receptions for 25 yards

Elijah Canion: 2 receptions for 20 yards

Ze’Vian Capers: 2 recpetions for 15 yards

Malcolm Johnson Jr.: 1 reception for 7 yards

 

 

Could Alabama be adding a QB out of the transfer portal soon?

Former LSU quarterback T.J. Finley is currently in the transfer portal, and he could have Alabama in his sights.

Alabama has its starting quarterback job all but locked up. Even though Bryce Young hasn’t been given the official nod, all signs are pointing in his direction to lead the Crimson Tide offense in 2021.

Still, more depth is always needed at the position — if you can get it.

Paul Tyson has been up and down, but he’s still a talented kid with some upside. Jalen Milroe has the makings of a future starter in Tuscaloosa, but he’s still young and inexperienced.

Those are the only other two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster besides Young. With walk-on Braxton Barker earning some offseason praise, it’s possible that the coaching staff would be comfortable with him in the No. 4 role, but that’s not a guarantee.

That’s where former LSU signal-caller T.J. Finley could come into play. The 6-foot-6, 242-pounder has been in the transfer portal since earlier this month, and there are rumblings that Alabama is in the mix for his services.

Several outlets, including 247Sports and others, have been sharing the latest on Finley’s recruitment. He feels Alabama “would be dangerous if I was to join them.”

Some of the other schools reportedly in the mix are Auburn, Texas and Penn State. But is Alabama a realistic choice for the young gun? Maybe, maybe not.

The Tide have bodies — and talent — in the quarterback room. If Finley is looking to move on from LSU due to competition, then Tuscaloosa might not be the place for him.

Still, there’s no denying that he would bolster the depth even more at that spot. And it wouldn’t be a complete shock — if he chose to transfer to Alabama — to see him earn the backup job behind Young.

Finley’s first season in Baton Rouge was littered with inconsistency, but that game against South Carolina last season is enough to show the promise he brings to the table.

In that game, he completed 17 of his 21 pass attempts (81 percent) for 265 yards, two touchdowns and only one interceptions. He was almost perfect en route to the Tigers handing the Gamecocks a lopsided 52-24 loss.

Things were a different story against Auburn the following week though. But the hope is that more experience would help him overcome some of those consistency issues.

Stay tuned for more updates on Finley’s status.

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‘Keep an eye on’ Texas as a destination for LSU transfer QB T.J. Finley

According to Cole Cubelic, Texas may be looking to add another QB. When asked about LSU’s T.J. Finley, Cubelic said to “keep an eye on” UT.

Quarterbacks tend to flock to Steve Sarkisian. Two have committed to Texas since the former Alabama offensive coordinator took the job. Cole Lourd accepted a preferred walk-on spot, while four-star Maalik Murphy committed in February.

With Hudson Card and Casey Thompson in the midst of a quarterback battle, the future of the room is unknown. When one of the signal-callers loses the job, will they put their name in the transfer portal? True freshman Charles Wright is the only other quarterback on the roster.

According to SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic, Texas may be looking to add another quarterback. When asked about LSU‘s T.J. Finley, Cubelic said to “keep an eye on” the Longhorns alongside Auburn and Penn State. Finley entered the transfer portal on May 6.

After only playing for one season, Finley would have four years of eligibility remaining. He completed 57.1% of his passes for 971 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.

With how young Finley is, adding the former three-star could create quite a log jam of playing time. Card or Thompson should remain the starter for two, possibly three seasons.

Texas is also still in pursuit of elite-level quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Those two would demand on the field time immediately. Add the hopeful development of Maalik Murphy into the equation and Finley would have another gauntlet of a quarterback room to breakthrough.

Having options at quarterback is never a bad thing in the day and age of the transfer portal. Ja’Quinden Jackson has already transferred out of the program after seeing who had a real shot at the starting job this upcoming year.

Finley was the top quarterback out of Louisiana coming out of the 2020 recruiting class. Overall, he was the No. 21 in-state prospect and No. 499 nationally. Listed as a pro-style quarterback, the 247Sports composite ranked him at No. 19.

LSU remains out of AP Top 25 Poll for Week 10

LSU lost at Auburn, 48-11 on Saturday and fell to 2-3 on the season.

LSU suffered a 48-11 loss at Auburn on Saturday and moved to 2-3 on the year.

The Tigers have a bye next week before hosting Alabama on November 14.

LSU allowed 506 total yards of offense to Auburn and only gained 32 rushing yards with its own offense. John Emery Jr. led the Tigers in rushing with just 21 yards gained on nine carries.

Freshman tight end Arik Gilbert led the team in receiving with 55 yards on six receptions.

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TJ Finley started the game at quarterback for the Tigers and went 13-of-24 for 143 yards and two interceptions. He was benched for fellow freshman Max Johnson who went 15-of-24 for 172 yards and a touchdown.

LSU’s defense had a challenge stopping Auburn quarterback Bo Nix who went 18-of-24 for 300 yards and three passing touchdowns.

LSU gave up 206 total rushing yards to Auburn. The Tigers also committed three turnovers, with two interceptions and a fumble.

The loss keeps the Tigers out of the AP Poll for the fourth straight week. The last time LSU was listed in the AP Top 25 was after a 41-7 win over Vanderbilt following week two of the SEC season.

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The SEC has five teams ranked in the Week 10 AP Poll. Auburn moved back into the rankings after the win over the Tigers which improved its record to 4-2 on the season.

Here is the updated AP Poll after 10 weeks of college football.

  1.  Clemson (7-0)
  2. Alabama (6-0)
  3. Ohio State (2-0)
  4. Notre Dame (6-0)
  5. Georgia (4-1)
  6. Cincinnati (5-0)
  7. Texas A&M (4-1)
  8. Florida (3-1)
  9. BYU (7-0)
  10. Wisconsin (1-0)
  11. Miami  (5-1)
  12. Oregon (0-0)
  13. Indiana (2-0)
  14. Oklahoma State (4-1)
  15. Coastal Carolina (6-0)
  16. Marshall (5-0)
  17. Iowa State (4-2)
  18. SMU (6-1)
  19. Oklahoma (4-2)
  20. USC (0-0)
  21. Boise State (2-0)
  22. Texas (4-2)
  23. Michigan (1-1)
  24. Auburn (4-2)
  25. Liberty (6-0)

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LSU-Auburn: Most pressing pregame storylines

Here’s a look into the biggest pregame storylines for LSU’s pivotal match-up against Auburn.

The LSU Tigers face SEC West division rival Auburn on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

LSU has won the last three games in the series, and can go for four straight against its division rival this weekend.

Here’s a look into the biggest pregame storylines for LSU’s pivotal match-up against Auburn.

TJ Finley to start at QB

LSU freshman quarterback T.J. Finley will earn his second straight start in place of junior signal-caller Myles Brennan, who is still out with an injury.

Last week against South Carolina, Finley shined under center going 17-of-21 for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw one interception, but the freshman still managed to lead the Tigers to victory.

Saturday will mark Finley’s first start away from Tiger Stadium. While there is limited capacity due to the coronavirus, Jordan-Hare Stadium will still be loud.

The deafening crowd at Auburn could cause issues for Finley at the start of the game. Heading into enemy territory for the first away start of a career is always challenging.

The last time LSU started a true freshman in their first road game as a starter, the Tigers coincidentally played at Auburn and lost 41-7. Former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris earned his first road start in Jordan-Hare in 2014 and the result wasn’t what he had anticipated.

While history may not repeat itself this time around, the change of pace in the game for Finley will be something to keep an eye on.

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LSU’s offensive players of the week against South Carolina

LSU’s offense shined in the 52-24 win against South Carolina last weekend.

LSU travels to take on the Auburn Tigers in three days, shortly after the 2-2 Tigers from Baton Rouge put up a stellar performance against South Carolina last weekend.

With starting quarterback Myles Brennan out due to injury, freshman quarterback T.J. Finley stepped in as the starter and put up solid numbers.

The Tigers also established the running game early on and never looked back.

Here’s a look at some of LSU’s offensive players of the week against South Carolina.

QB T.J. Finley

Finley went 17-of-21 passing for 265 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

For it to be his first career collegiate start, Finley showed promises of the future that could stick around longer than first thought.

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LSU’s offensive players of the week against South Carolina

LSU’s offense shined in the 52-24 win against South Carolina last weekend.

LSU travels to take on the Auburn Tigers in three days, shortly after the 2-2 Tigers from Baton Rouge put up a stellar performance against South Carolina last weekend.

With starting quarterback Myles Brennan out due to injury, freshman quarterback T.J. Finley stepped in as the starter and put up solid numbers.

The Tigers also established the running game early on and never looked back.

Here’s a look at some of LSU’s offensive players of the week against South Carolina.

QB T.J. Finley

Finley went 17-of-21 passing for 265 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

For it to be his first career collegiate start, Finley showed promises of the future that could stick around longer than first thought.

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Who shined, who came up short in LSU’s 52-24 win over South Carolina

LSU defeated South Carolina 52-24 behind freshman quarterback T.J. Finley’s big game and 135 rushing yards from Tyrion Davis-Price.

The LSU Tigers defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday 52-24 inside Tiger Stadium to improve to 2-2 on the season. South Carolina falls to 2-3 on the season after the loss.

Freshman quarterback T.J. Finley earned his first career start in place of Myles Brennan, who is out with a significant lower-body injury.

Here’s a look at who shined, and who could have a had a better day on the Tigers’ big SEC win.

Stud: QB TJ Finley

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Finley finished the game 17-of-21 passing for 265 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Earning his first career start, the freshman signal-caller stepped up and showed flashes of the future at the position.

Finley also had eight carries for 24 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

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Will Muschamp, South Carolina Gamecocks prepared for whichever LSU QB thrown their way Saturday

Will Muschamp believes LSU will maintain its overall identity regardless of who suits up at quarterback this weekend.

It’s still unknown which LSU quarterback will take the field in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, with redshirt junior signal-caller Myles Brennan expected to be sidelined against the visiting South Carolina Gamecocks.

But head coach Will Muschamp is ready for whatever may come his way — including if he ends up facing true freshman passer T.J. Finley or Max Johnson instead of Brennan.

Muschamp seems to be more interested in what the LSU offense is as a whole, as opposed to looking into one particular change at a single position — and it’s going to present a challenge for the South Carolina defense.

“We’ve got to continue to improve, because this group’s thrown for 400 a game,” Muschamp told reporters. “They’re throwing the ball at a very high-level against some really good players.”

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The head coach believes LSU will maintain its overall identity regardless of who suits up under center this weekend.

The supporting cast, which includes wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., who totals 424 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over three games, will be something to keep an eye on.

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“They both have athleticism to extend plays and create things in the run game, which they somewhat do with Brennan – as best they can,” Muschamp said. “So again, they have been very successful in what they do. They’ll identify the things that are really good for those guys and what they feel comfortable with and then you’ve got to adjust in the game to what they’re doing.”

It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top when the two teams face each other on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT in Tiger Stadium.

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Will we see QB Myles Brennan in action for LSU vs. South Carolina?

When LSU QB Myles Brennan returns to the starting lineup will depend on how long his lower body injury lingers.

LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan has been out from practice with a significant lower body injury sustained against Missouri this season, and has been focused on rehab, according to head coach Ed Orgeron in a teleconference on Wednesday.

The Tigers have two exciting true freshman signal-callers in T.J. Finley and Max Johnson, who Orgeron described as “very similar.” We could expect to see one or both of them on Saturday vs. South Carolina, with Orgeron saying that Brennan wasn’t likely to play this weekend.

Brennan’s injury is something that will continue to be monitored, and Orgeron said that he’ll be ready to put the redshirt junior back in action whenever he’s ready.

The question is as to just when that will be, though.

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According to Orgeron, that could be as early as this week, or could be longer if it’s a “lingering deal.” For now, Brennan is obviously not at 100%, and the final decision for if he’ll be able to come back as early as Saturday will be made by the end of the week.

The Tigers and Gamecocks are set to face off in Tiger Stadium at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday.

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