LSU Spring Game 2016: Recap, Highlights and Twitter Reaction

LSU Tigers freshman receiver Dee Anderson hauled in a 70-yard touchdown in the first half, and star running back Leonard Fournette also scored a touchdown to highlight the Purple team's 17-7 win over the White team in the LSU spring football game at Tiger Stadium on Saturday.

It seems like an eternity ago that Les Miles was on his way out as head coach of LSU. But the longtime head coach was front and center to see his team cap off spring football in his 12th season as Tigers head coach.

The Purple team got first dibs to begin the game, and they scored 17 points within the first 15 minutes, 10 seconds. After a Trent Domingue 42-yard field goal, Fournette capped off a nine-play, 65-yard drive at the end of the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown run to give the Purple team a 10-0 lead, via the Times-Picayune:

On the first play of the second quarter, the Purple squad took to the air to make it a 17-point lead. Quarterback Danny Etling connected with Anderson on a 70-yard touchdown, via LSU Football:

It was a time to celebrate for the LSU freshman, as this photo from David Ching of ESPN.com shows:

Ross Dellenger of the Advocate also noted Anderson beat a fellow newcomer to the ball:

The spring game was also a chance for former LSU greats to meet the current greats, per the Times-Picayune:

LSU tried to show a balance offensively. Incumbent starter Brandon Harris was 8-of-12 in the first half for 56 yards and an interception. Etling had 93 yards on 4-of-7 passing and also threw a pick in the first half.

Harris looked comfortable in the pocket, sans that lone interception. LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron also had Harris use his mobility to get out of the pocket and make throws in that regard, via the Times-Picayune:

But the Tigers offense runs through Fournette, who carried the ball eight times for 49 yards and that touchdown. His longest carry was 16 yards, and much like last year, Fournette's runs were physical, via LSU Football:

Dellenger also placed the over on Fournette's carries at 5.5 before the game, just to see if LSU would rest its Heisman Trophy candidate running back, but the over won:

The White team operated on a running clock in the second half and was able to get on the board late in the third quarter on a five-yard touchdown run from Bry'Keithon Mouton. 

Harris played better in the second half, going 3-of-4 for 50 yards and no turnovers. Etling went 2-of-4 for 13 yards in the second half. Barrett Sallee of Bleacher Report noted before today's game that Harris' accuracy was something to watch out for:

Malachi Dupre had five catches for 77 yards, as he continues to establish himself as LSU's top target heading into the fall. Sam Spiegelman of SEC Country thinks this could be a huge year for Dupre:

The microscope is going to be on Harris heading into the 2016 season, and he played well in his first live action since last year. Etling showed off his strong arm on that touchdown throw in the second quarter. Harris is the starter until further notice, but this is a battle to keep an eye on as fall camp approaches.

LSU's offense will go as far as Fournette goes, though, and this eight-carry game was a clear indication that the Tigers are prepared to rely on their star running back again. He didn't show any signs of last year taking a toll on him, finishing off runs with physicality and power. A balanced offense is what LSU needs to be competitive in the SEC this year.

Postgame Reaction

There's no shortage of confidence from Miles when it comes to his starting quarterback.

"He's going to make improvement, strides all summer long," Miles said, per Dellenger.

Miles also said he wants to see a more lean Fournette in the backfield this year, not only for weight purposes but because he could be faster, per Dellenger:

This was also the first look for LSU's new-look 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Dwayne Thomas, Davon Godchaux and Xavier Lewis each had two sacks in this game, and Miles likes what the defense will look like this year.

"Our defensive front is gonna be salty," Miles said, per Dellenger.