Miami football can start preparing for Joe Burrow as LSU QB

Mark Richt was perceptive in his prediction that Joe Burrow would be LSU’s starting quarterback. The Tigers named Burrow their starter for the season opener against the Miami football team just a few hours after Richt predicated that would occur.

A Graduate Transfer from Ohio State, Burrow has two years of eligibility remaining with LSU. After redshirting as a Freshman in 2015, Burrow spent the last two seasons at a backup for J.T. Barrett at Ohio State. He will make his debut against the Miami football team on Sunday night in Arlington, Texas.

Burrow is the son of a coach. His father Jimmy has been the Defensive Coordinator at Ohio University under former Nebraska Head Coach Frank Solich since 2005. Solich was the Head Coach and the elder Burrow a Graduate Assistant when the Cornhuskers lost to Miami in the 2002 Rose Bowl for the National Championship.

In his two seasons on the active roster at Ohio State, Burrow completed 29 of 39 passes for 74.4 percent, 287 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. He also ran 15 times for 53 yards and one touchdown.

In his weekly appearance on the Joe Rose show on the Miami flagship station, WQAM on Monday morning, Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Richt discussed Burrow’s versatile talents at quarterback and what the LSU offense will try to do on Sunday night.

"“He’s a super mobile guy…You can expect certain quarterback run aspects…you can expect…more of a power running game … play action pass and more pocket stuff.”"

The since defunct website SEC Country profiled Burrow and in their words “What makes new LSU quarterback Joe Burrow so special.”  in June. SEC Country was part of the Die Hards networks that folded in June.

SEC Country labeled Burrow as a quarterback that “has a live arm but is also a strong decision-maker who is accurate downfield and capable of using his feet to his advantage.”

SEC Country dissected the Ohio State spring game and how Burrow played throughout. They posted GIFs of some of his thrown and highlighted what makes him successful at quarterback.

"“Deep balls are in Burrow’s arsenal. But he’s also capable of making some of the more mundane throws that benefit a team just as much.”"

Burrow’s all-around game and versatile skills will test the Miami defense. Richt spoke with Rose about the importance of run-pass options (RPO) at quarterback and that it forces a defense into man-to-man coverage. He mentioned it in reference to the improvement that Miami quarterback Malik Rosier has made.

It also applies to how the Miami defense will defend LSU as well. “So many people play man coverage now, you got to try to take some (deep) shots.”

Richt also told Rose that teams need to play man-to-man to avoid linebackers getting caught in between a pass play and a run play in zone coverage. That can often be difficult against a quarterback that is adept at running the RPO.

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Burrow was steady is his limited playing time with the Buckeyes. He hasn’t yet faced a defense the quality of the Miami football team or gotten reps in a game when the outcome was still in doubt.

SEC Country was impressed with what they saw.

"“He’s a nimble athlete…He doesn’t force throws or try to do things he shouldn’t in his limited exposure. He sticks to the game plan…He’s the type of guy who won’t make mistakes, but also isn’t afraid to be great.”"

Playing against the Miami defense in the first start of his collegiate career is a giant leap for Burrow on Sunday. His athleticism might cause Miami Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz to scale back some of the aggressiveness that the Hurricanes defense was known for last season.

Burrow isn’t the only new face on the LSU Offense. Steve Ensminger begins his second stint at the Tigers Offensive Coordinator. When Les Miles was fired in 2016 Ensminger took over the offense. LSU also lost leading rusher Derrius Grice and leading receiver D.J. Chark after last season.

The LSU offense is going to have to go through some growing pains this season with so many new faces and Ensminger trying to regain his feet as the Tigers boss on offense. With eight starters back and a lot of experience, the Miami defense should be able to put a lot of pressure on Burrow.