LSU keeping Etling at QB as Orgeron era begins

Danny Etling will remain the quarterback for LSU when the Tigers take the field Saturday without departed head coach Les Miles for the first time in 148 games.

Interim coach Ed Orgeron announced Wednesday during his radio show that the junior pivot will hold onto the starting role Saturday against Missouri - and don't be surprised if a new-look LSU offense calls on its quarterback to utilize the deep ball often.

"Danny has earned his spot as starting quarterback, he's done some stuff to exemplify himself as a leader," Orgeron said. He added, "I can see us spreading Missouri out for sure. ... We want to throw it down the field, four verticals (routes)."

Since replacing an ineffective Brandon Harris in Week 2, Etling has thrown for 433 yards and three touchdowns, completing 56 percent of his passes. Despite a solid showing by the Purdue transfer, the Tigers could only muster 13 points in a tight loss to Auburn.

LSU fans are hoping a new offensive approach shows itself on Saturday against Missouri. Dave Aranda's defense is one of the best in the nation, allowing just 60 points total on the season, but the offense has failed to top the 20-point mark in both losses.

Star running back Leonard Fournette is expected to play Saturday, and if Orgeron can find a way to get talented receivers Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre the ball, LSU will likely walk away with a win in his debut.