LSU Football: The Brandon Harris Era Needs to Begin Now

LSU head coach Les Miles needs to hand the keys of the offense to Brandon Harris.

Harris showed flashes of excellence against Mississippi State. He was inserted into the game in the fourth quarter and led LSU on a magnificent comeback to make a rough scoreline respectable. The true freshman finished with 140 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Sophomore starter Anthony Jennings had his chance against an average secondary but underperformed. Jennings was a paltry 13-for-26 for 157 yards and made some questionable decisions in the red zone that cost LSU touchdowns.

Miles said Harris' stellar play warranted more snaps going forward:

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Miles: I enjoyed Brandon Harris coming into the game and the fact he gave us a tremendous lift. He earns more playing time without question.

— LSU Football (@LSUfball) September 22, 2014"

Miles shouldn't base his decision off Harris' one quarter of play against a conservative defense. Jennings had played admirably previous to last Saturday night, and his supporting cast did not do him any favors against Mississippi State either.

Jennings' intangibles are off the charts. He is a proven clutch performer and is beloved by his teammates.

USA TODAY Sports

Nevertheless, Miles should name Harris the starter because he is a better football player than Jennings. The freshman's passes have more zip and he is a more dynamic runner.

ESPN's National Recruiting Director, Tom Luginbill, has raved about Harris since he first reviewed his tape years ago. Luginbill, a former quarterback at Georgia Tech, believes he is the best the Tigers have to offer.

"In terms of pure physical tools, he is more talented than what LSU has," said Luginbill. "He can make all the throws."

Harris' ability to connect with fellow freshman Malachi Dupre gives a boost the LSU offense desperately needs. Four of Dupre's six catches on the season have come from Harris, three of which for touchdowns.

The duo worked extensively with each other during the offseason, which has shown on the field.

The worst thing for Miles to do is run a two-quarterback system. Harris and Jennings have similar skill sets, so rotating the two makes little sense.

Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott is the best example of why having one quarterback is the best option. Prescott rotated with Tyler Russell last season, who was an inferior player. Mississippi State could have won more games if it had just played Prescott in 2013.

Prescott told SEC Network's Peter Burns on SEC Now that being the lone signal-caller this season has progressed his development. He proved it last Saturday with 373 combined yards and three touchdowns.

Harris has Prescott's potential, but he needs the same freedom.

He is not only the future but the now at quarterback. Miles needs to make him the guy for LSU to reach its full potential in 2014 and beyond.

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by cfbstats.com and LSU Sports Information. Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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