Gunner Kiel: Why LSU Football Doesn't Need Kiel for 2012

Rumors swirl that Gunner Kiel has chosen to back off his commitment to LSU and instead chosen to go with Notre Dame. Whether or not these rumors are true, it doesn't affect the truth to the whole matter.

LSU didn't need Kiel and they still don't need him.

The Tigers are already the preseason No. 1 for many people, and that is for good reason. LSU has so much talent and experience returning that they don't need to make many changes. In fact, the changes they needed solved themselves.

The whole QB situation with Jefferson and Lee was a complete mess. While it worked for most games, the system fell flat against tougher opponents and, as expected, negatively affected the offense's rhythm in games.

With those two out, the QB situation has a clear path: Zach Mettenberger.

Mettenberger was the highly touted quarterback in-waiting for the Georgia Bulldogs who was dismissed from the school for violations of school policy. He served his community service time and probation order. While he has had past incidents, his maturity is definitely progressing and he is ready to take over the LSU offense.

Mettenberger has tons of skill that people forget about. He has great arm strength and great vision. His accuracy is nothing to scoff at either. What really sets him apart, however, is his size. Standing at 6'5" and 222 pounds, he is likely not one to get injured easily.

The only noticeable weakness of Mettenberger is his troubles when flushed out of the pocket. This is a very small problem though, as quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger have shown that you can be a great QB without great running ability. All you really need to be is durable in the pocket.

Another interesting thing to note is that, as a freshman, Mettenberger was competing for the starting job at Georgia with Aaron Murray. If he could challenge Murray as a freshman, who knows what he could do at LSU.

That's not to take anything away from the rest of the LSU offense. Talented backs like Spencer Ware will probably be the focus of the offense at the beginning until Mettenberger settles in. Once he does find a groove though, he will give the LSU offense the explosiveness they severely lacked the past season.

It's not like the Tigers will have to depend on him as a whole either. Their main focus is the defense, which will carry the team as far as they need. Mettenberger just adds another great cog to the LSU machine.

If Kiel had gone to LSU, it would have been a mess just like the Jefferson/Lee fiasco. Both would have had to compete and probably would not have reached a conclusion. With a solid answer, the offense will be able to run much more efficiently.

While it is a blow for LSU recruiting, Kiel's de-commitment will be better for the Tigers in the long run. Expect the Tigers to still be in the national championship conversation, but this time with a new person called Zach Mettenberger.