LSU's Orgeron backs Etling as starting QB, wanted to get Brennan reps

If any LSU fans out there were wondering what in the world Ed Orgeron was thinking by pulling starting quarterback Danny Etling in favor of Myles Brennan on Saturday night, the Tigers head coach has answers for you.

Following the game, Orgeron addressed the unexpected and mysterious quarterback switch in the third quarter against Syracuse, and made it clear that Etling did not suffer any sort of injury, nor did he lose his job in any way.

"We wanted to give Myles Brennan reps to see what he can do," Orgeron said, according to Ross Dellenger of The Advocate.

"Danny is our starting quarterback. Wanted to give Myles a chance when the game was on the line," Orgeron added.

The move was especially perplexing considering Etling's efficient play until that point, leading his team to a 14-3 halftime lead and completing 10-of-17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns prior to the switch. Brennan was able to find some early success, leading the Tigers on a touchdown drive before eventually coughing up an interception and returning to the sideline.

The risky decision to essentially throw a true freshman in the deep end to see if he can swim in a close game almost came back to bite LSU as Syracuse ended up cutting the Tigers' lead to two points. Etling's return stemmed the tide, however, and a 20-yard touchdown run from D.J. Chark ultimately put the contest out of reach.

Orgeron's comments all but dispel any sort of quarterback controversy, but the idea to toss Brennan into a tightly contested game clearly shows Orgeron isn't afraid to shake things up on the fly.