Florida at LSU: Three Storylines to Watch
Sep 5, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) looks on as quarterback Will Grier (7) works out prior to the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Treon Harris Replacing Will Grier
It goes without saying that the loss of Grier, who was 106-for-161 passing (65.8 percent) for 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns with three interceptions this season, is a blow to the Florida offense. The redshirt freshman looked more and more comfortable every week, could make all the throws, and added 116 rushing yards and two TDs on the ground, which made him the team’s second leading rusher. Grier also had his best game – a four-touchdown performance – in a 38-10 win over Ole Miss two weeks ago on the primetime national stage.
Nevertheless, the Gators have a suitable backup in Treon Harris. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that Harris wasn’t a backup at all. The sophomore actually earned the starting job for the season opening game against New Mexico State and has completed 19 of 27 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns with 63 rushing yards in four games this season.
Florida Gators
Prior to that, Harris beat Grier out for the No. 2 role in 2014 before eventually moving ahead of Jeff Driskel on the depth chart. Harris threw for 1,019 yards and nine touchdowns with four interceptions in nine games last season, including six starts, and ran for 332 yards and three more scores. That means Harris actually has more in-game and starting experience than Grier.
Of course, there was a reason head coach Jim McElwain turned to Grier prior to Week 2 and stuck with him until this week’s suspension, so there is obviously some reason to be concerned that Harris wasn’t considered the best player for the job. Making matters more difficult is a LSU secondary stocked with NFL-caliber players like Tre’Davious White, Jamal Adams, Ricky Jefferson and true freshman Kevin Toliver.
The Tigers have intercepted six passes this season (Adams and linebacker Deion Jones are tied for the team lead with two apiece) and have broken up 18 passes as a unit. LSU has also recorded 12 sacks while holding opponents to 291.4 total yards of offense to date.
Harris has talent and experience, and will have a talented group of receivers including Demarcus Robinson (330 receiving yards, 2 TD), Brandon Powell (252 receiving yards, 3 TD) and Antonio Callaway (208 receiving yards, 2 TD) as well as running back Kelvin Taylor (438 rushing yards, 7 TD) and an improving offensive line, but the 5-foot-11 sophomore is likely to be a little rusty after playing only sparingly over the past month, and he’ll be tested by a tough LSU defense.
Next: Leonard Fournette vs. the Florida Rush Defense