LSU to start freshman Finley at QB vs. South Carolina

LSU will start freshman quarterback TJ Finley against South Carolina on Saturday, head coach Ed Orgeron announced Thursday, according to Brooks Kubena of The Advocate.

Finley won the position battle over freshman Max Johnson to replace Myles Brennan, who started the first three games of the season but is battling a lower-body injury.

"It could have been the flip of a coin," Orgeron said of his decision to start Finley over Johnson.

"He's always had a cannon for an arm," the coach said of his new starting signal-caller, according to team reporter Cody Worsham. "It was more or less putting a little touch, more or less reading the defense and accuracy. I think he's come a long way."

Orgeron added that Brennan is expected to suit up Saturday but unlikely to take the field. The junior was listed as doubtful for his team's game against Florida last week before the contest was pushed back due to the Gators' COVID-19 outbreak.

The extra week of preparation has Orgeron optimistic about the Tigers' upcoming performance.

"I think we're going to play lights-out," he said. "I think we're going to play our best game."

After winning the national title last season, LSU is off to a rough start in 2020, winning just one of its first three games.