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One of the big focal points of the LSU Tigers this season has been the play of quarterback Zach Mettenberger. With expectation that were set at astronomical levels, the transfer out of Georgia by way of Butler Community College, the quarterback has disappointed many LSU fans, but the question is did he turn the corner against Alabama?
There is no better way to decide than by looking at the numbers on his season from LSUsports.net
|
#8 Z. Mettenberger |
Comp-Att-Int |
Pct |
Yards |
TD |
Long |
Sack-Yds |
Effic |
|
North Texas |
19-26-1 |
73.1 |
192 |
1 |
34 |
2-25 |
140.11 |
|
Washington |
12-18-0 |
66.7 |
195 |
1 |
32 |
0-0 |
176.00 |
|
Idaho |
17-22-1 |
77.3 |
222 |
2 |
46 |
3-12 |
182.95 |
|
Auburn |
15-27-0 |
55.6 |
169 |
0 |
33 |
2-15 |
108.13 |
|
Towson |
15-26-0 |
57.7 |
238 |
2 |
53 |
4-42 |
159.97 |
|
Florida |
11-25-1 |
44.0 |
158 |
0 |
56 |
4-19 |
89.09 |
|
South Carolina |
12-25-1 |
48.0 |
148 |
0 |
27 |
1-6 |
89.73 |
|
Texas A&M |
11-29-0 |
37.9 |
97 |
1 |
29 |
2-12 |
77.41 |
|
Alabama |
24-35-0 |
68.6 |
298 |
1 |
42 |
3-22 |
149.52 |
|
TOTALS |
136-233-4 |
58.4 |
1717 |
8 |
56 |
21-153 |
128.17 |
One of the first things that stands out is the fact that the Tigers' contest against Alabama was the first time that Mettenberger attempted over 30 passes and had more than 20 completions.
While the low number of passes against North Texas (41-14), Washington (41-3), Idaho (63-14), and Towson (38-22) can be understood, the fact is the Tigers have not wanted to put a game in Mettenberger's hands this year.
In a 24-19 win over Texas A&M, the quarterback went 11 of 29 for 97 yards, hardly an inspiring performance. In fact, until the Alabama game, Mettenberger had not played too important of a role in an SEC game, at least a positive one.
If you are wondering, "the opposing quarterback" against Mississippi State has totaled the following passing stats:186-296-12, 62.8, 1887 yards, 8 TDs, a long of 57 yards, 15 sacks for 114 yards, and a pass efficiency of 117.20.
In other words, "the opposing quarterback" has performed in the ball park of Zach Mettenberger's season tally.
With a strong secondary, Mississippi State should be able to attack the pass. The number that should jump off the page is 21 sacks on the season. LSU has not done a great job of keeping the quarterback clean. Mississippi State needs to follow this trend and knock Mettenberger to the ground.