Brian Kelly confirms John Emery has torn ACL, will miss rest of season

The 2023 season has been filled with its fair share of highs and lows and bumps and bruises for the LSU Tigers. Unfortunately, it appears as if that narrative is not done with the Tigers, as head coach Brian Kelly recently revealed some disparaging news on running back John Emery.

Emory exited LSU’s 52-35 victory over Florida on Saturday before the final gun sounded. And what appeared to be a significant leg injury was confirmed by Kelly on Monday as he revealed the Tigers’ running back would be out for the rest of the season.

“John Emery has an ACL tear, so we’ll lose him for the rest of the season,” said Kelly.

It is a tough break for Emery, who has been battling for carries within LSU’s crowded backfield. The senior running back’s 2023 season ends with him rushing the ball 23 times for 121 yards.

Jayden Daniels makes history for LSU

Although Emery went down for LSU, other players stepped up, namely quarterback Jayden Daniels. In the win, Daniels carved up the Florida defense to the tune of over 600 all-purpose yards and in the process, etched his name in college football history.

The fleet-footed signal-caller for LSU became the only player in college football history to throw for over 350 passing yards and rush for over 200 rushing yards in a single game. Following his spectacular performance, Daniels spoke with the SEC Network’s Alyssa Lang on the field in Tiger Stadium.

“I’m always prepared. Doing the same thing. Same routine,” Daniels said. “Little limited, but even though I wasn’t out there physically most of the time. Just mentally preparing myself and preparing like I was gonna play this week.

“It means a lot. I thank God for everything. The talent that he gave me and everything. I thank my O-line. I can’t do this without them at all.”

Daniels completed 17 of 26 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday night. As a runner, he shredded the Gator defense to the tune of 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries. One of those was a beautiful 85-yard touchdown run that gave the Tigers a 17-7 lead in the second quarter. It was the longest run ever by a quarterback in LSU football history.