100,000 people rose to their feet when Brandon Harris entered the game in the second quarter to take control of the offense.
Tiger fans had seen enough of Anthony Jennings. Jennings started at quarterback for the first four games of the season for the Tigers, leading them to a 3-1 record. With a poor performance in the Tigers first SEC game against Mississippi State, Jennings was benched near the end of the fourth quarter and true freshman Harris came in to an 18 point deficit. Harris threw two touchdown passes to freshman Malachi Dupre within 28 seconds of each other, cutting the Bulldog lead to 5 points. Harris was an intercepted hail mary shy of an incredible comeback.
LSU fans wanted to see Harris start against New Mexico State but head coach Les Miles was not going to abandon his starter after one bad start. Jennings played like he wanted to get benched. Jennings completed 2 of 5 passes with two interceptions, a fumble and no touchdowns.
Tiger fans, mostly the student section, booed Jennnings before and after every drive he played and chanted “Brandon Harris” relentlessly. Les Miles seemed to have enough on Jennings seventh drive when it seemed there was communication on a pass route between Dupre and Jennings.
Harris entered the game with 9:28 left in the second quarter and the whole stadium erupted. The bench went just as crazy as the fans and they seemed to be 100 percent behind Harris.
Harris never looked back and played lights out. He completed 11 out of 14 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns. The dual-threat also added 36 yards on the ground and two scores rushing.
LSU hits the road and will face the reigning SEC champion Auburn Tigers next week. The loudness of Jordan Hare and the talented Auburn defense will be a great test for Harris to show if he deserves to be the starter for the rest of the season.
*Section Photo credit to Derick E. Hingle , USA Today Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to Brett Duke, Times-Picayun
