LSU vs South Carolina: Five players to watch

Oct 3, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) against the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Harris

After stringing together three solid performance to start the season, LSU starting quarterback Brandon Harris regressed last week against the easiest opponent the Tigers will face in 2015.

Harris completed just 4-of-14 passes against the Eastern Michigan Eagles for 80 yards and no touchdowns. While he did provide 18 yards and a touchdown on the ground, it was certainly a step back for a player that had progressed significantly from last year.

On Saturday, he goes up against a South Carolina defense that has been serviceable, but not great, at defending the pass. The Gamecocks give up 218.8 passing yards per game, 68th in the nation.

LSU does not need to have a prolific passing attack to be a legitimate national title contender this season. Having the best running back in the country will do that.

But they do need efficiency at the quarterback position. Early in the season, Harris displayed this. Last week, he did not.

If the Tigers are going to stay undefeated as they run through the SEC gauntlet, their sophomore quarterback is going to need to elevate his level of play. Everyone knows that he can burn defenses with his legs, but the question remains whether or not he can be a consistent threat in the passing game.

Saturday will be a good test for Harris before a potential top-10 matchup with the Florida Gators next week.

Next: Perry Orth