JD PicKell: LSU quarterback competition is like solving an algebra equation

LSU seems poised wait until the last moment to decide to reveal its starting quarterback for its Week One matchup against Florida State on Sept. 4. In the meantime, On3’s JD PicKell discussed the latest in the QB1 battle in Baton Rouge on a recent episode of the Hard Count, noting that the situation that the Tigers have found themselves in has favored one quarterback more than the others as a long-term solution under center.

“Take a look at this. Brand new offensive line – so what does that tell you? You probably need somebody who can compensate, whether that’s getting the ball out quick. More than likely, that means being able to escape pressure.” PicKell said. “Because how many of you know, when you’re breaking in some new big boys that job, it might take a second for them to get synched up.

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“So, being able to take off and run and turn a sack into four yards, turn the sack into a first down, even to run out of a sack and throw it away – that’s enormous. It cannot be overstated how important that is for your football team.”

Something else that needs to be considered is the last quarterback that LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock coached – former Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder – someone who Denbrock certainly got the most out of and is now looking to be the future QB1 of the Atlanta Falcons. If Denbrock wants that dual threat kind of talent, his choice should be obvious.

“Sounding more and more like it’s taking shape?” PicKell asked.

“Jayden Daniels, if we’re just solving for y in this equation for the LSU quarterback battle, fits the bill. Great runner, great athlete. Can help erase some mistakes because this offensive line is going to make early on, is going to potentially have a more natural fit with the way the offense is called just from a base level. They’re going to tailor the offense to whoever it is, but at a base level, Jayden Daniels fits that mold for what they historically would want in a quarterback.”