LSU football: Why Leonard Fournette can win the Heisman in 2015
Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) looks for a receiver during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
LSU’s improved quarterback play will take the focus off of Fournette
The LSU football team struggled to pass the ball in 2014, ranking last in the SEC.
But with the emergence of sophomore Brandon Harris at starting quarterback, the Tigers’ passing offense is primed for a complete turnaround.
Related: Stability at quarterback makes LSU a legitimate contender
If Harris can play up to his potential and give the Tigers something resembling a passing game, it could mean big things for Fournette.
The threat of a passing attack will force defenses to stay true, and therefore not stack the box.
And even if Harris is not an elite gunslinger, the talent LSU has at wide receiver will cause defenses to respect the pass as long as their quarterback delivers a respectable performance.
Without eight men in the box, there will be more holes for Fournette to run through, and he will have an easier time breaking through the first wall of defense and into the secondary.
This is the complete opposite of what he saw last season. Due to horrendous quarterback play, it was rare for Fournette to receive a handoff and not have linebackers and defensive backs swarming the line of scrimmage and filling any gaps created by the offensive line.
With all of the room that a successful passing game will create, LSU’s feature back will be able to gallop free into opposing secondaries and put up huge numbers in 2015.
Next: LSU’s winning will keep Fournette in the national spotlight