By Dave Holcomb
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

LSU overwhelms South Carolina 52-24.

LSU hasnt come close to replicating its from last season without Heisman trophy winning quarterback Joe Burrow, but without his successor, Myles Brennan, against South Carolina, the Tigers scored six touchdowns and crushed South Carolina, 52-24.

In place of Brennan, freshman quarterback T.J. Finley starred, accounting for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns. Saturday nights game hadnt even ended before the Finley versus Brennan quarterback debate began in Baton Rouge.

Heres more on that and what else we observed from the LSU rout over South Carolina:

1. Quarterback Controversy Starting for LSU

Finley showcased why the Tigers hold him in such high regard. In his first career start, he completed 17 of 21 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Finley also rushed for 24 yards and a score.

Brennan has been tremendous for LSU this season and is hardly the reason the team entered Saturday 1-2. Maybe hes not Burrow, but Brennan has completed more than 60 percent of his throws for 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions while averaging 8.5 yards per pass.

But Finley, who just barely beat out fellow freshman quarterback Max Johnson for the starting role in practice during the week, looked to be the future of the program Saturday. Finley also provides LSU more in the running game with his dual-threat ability, which is something Brennan does not do.

In summary, Orgeron does not face an easy decision of who to start behind center next week against Auburn.

2. LSU Defense Improves after Ed Orgerons Challenge

The head coach called the Tigers defense embarrassing after it allowed 586 yards and 45 points to Missouri last week. If the words were supposed to challenge the defense to play better, it worked xa6 somewhat.

LSU gave up 403 yards to South Carolina, which isnt exactly spectacular, but thats an improvement from the 494.7 yards the Tigers allowed on average in their first three games. The Gamecocks posted 10.6 yards per pass and 5.8 yards per rush, but the Tigers halted many South Carolina drives by holding the Gamecocks to 3 of 10 on third down.

Orgerons defense must continue to improve if they are going to make any noise in the SEC West during November, but Saturday seemed to be at least a small step in the right direction.

3. Tigers Score on Defense & Special Teams to Support Freshman QB

The best play from the defense the entire night was a pick-six from Eli Ricks, who returned the interception 45 yards for the score. LSU also scored on special teams.

After South Carolina began the second half with a touchdown to pull within 14, Trey Palmer returned the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Even with nearly a whole half to go at that point, it felt as though the return all but ended any chance of a Gamecocks comeback.

LSUs offense is great by itself; opponents cant spot them two touchdowns with defensive or special teams scores.

4. South Carolina Misses Opportunities to Remain Competitive

It may not have changed the outcome of the game, but the Gamecocks had chances to stay with LSU on Saturday night. Most notably, South Carolina missed three field goals, all of which came in the first two and a half quarters when the Gamecocks were in the game.

South Carolinas offense was efficient, but it didnt finish enough possessions with points. In fact, the Gamecocks had four drives conclude in LSU territory with zero points — three missed field goals and a turnover on downs. As previously stated, South Carolina went 3-for-10 on third down.

Even in a 28-point loss, a few more third-down conversions and more plays in the red zone could have kept the Gamecocks competitive. Thats especially true if one takes away the LSU defense and special teams scores.

5. LSU Faces Schedule Gauntlet Down the Stretch

The Tigers are feeling great about themselves at the moment, but taking a look at the upcoming schedule will change that. In its six remaining games, LSU has three matchups with Top 10 teams — Alabama, Texas A&M and Florida.

The good news is if LSU runs the table, it’s not inconceivable to think the Tigers will be in the playoff race heading into Championship Saturday. Even with two losses, they will have an impressive resume (in the event they beat the Crimson Tide, Aggies and Gators).

However, LSU ending the season on a seven-game winning streak seems very unlikely. Orgeron needs to pick the right quarterback, and the defense must continue to improve for the Tigers to avoid finishing below .500.