In Fournette’s shadow: Harris doesn’t escape Brohm’s eye

Published 9:04 am Thursday, October 22, 2015

Count Western Kentucky head coach Jeff Brohm among those who’ve noticed the improvement in LSU quarterback Brandon Harris this season.

Brohm, a former Louisville quarterback, knows the position. He played quarterback for six NFL teams during a seven-year pro career.

He’s developed an NFL prospect for the spot this year at Western Kentucky with Brandon Doughty.

But Brohm has been studying the Tigers since last spring. Running back Leonard Fournette, of course, caught his eye even then.

But in updating his scouting report for Saturday night’s game in Tiger Stadium, Harris’ improved play has jumped out.

“I really think their quarterback play has improved,” Brohm said of comparing last year’s LSU film that he studied in the offseason to the Tigers’ six games this year.

“I think he’s played better. I think that’s a reason they’re undefeated right now.

“The running game, yeah. But they do have a better feel in the passing game. Their quarterback has performed at a better level than they did last year.”

True, though maybe not at the level that Brohm’s high-powered attack operates.

The 6-1 Hilltoppers, with a victory over Southeastern Conference Vanderbilt to their credit, are third in the nation in passing (407.1 ypg), ninth in total offense (535.4 ypg) and sixth in scoring (44 ppg).

Western Kentucky, which beat McNeese for the 2002 Division I-AA national championship, has since moved up to the Football Bowl Subdivision level in Conference USA.

Brohm is in his second year at his first head coaching job after replacing controversial Bobby Petrino.

He said all the right things about going to Tiger Stadium, perhaps even fanning the flames of making this a “trap” game that the undefeated Tigers might overlook.

“It’s just a great opportunity for our guys to out there and compete and have fun this week,” he said. “Cut loose come game day and really see how we measure up. I know our guys are excited.”

Like any coach, LSU’s running game sticks out for Brohm, particularly Fournette, the nation’s leading rusher and Heisman Trophy favorite.

“We have been decent against running teams,” Brohm said. “Now this is a different breed. This guy is going to be hard to tackle.

“We’re going to have to find different ways to tackle him and bring him down.

“We’re going to have to take away what they do well, which is run the ball. He (Fournette) is a guy that … without question, he’s the best running back in the country.

“From all the things I’ve read, he seems like a great young man. So, all those qualities, I think are exactly what you look for in a Heisman candidate.”

The Hilltoppers will likely be the best nonconference opponent LSU plays. But Brohm will treat the game like most coaches of a 17-point underdog.

“LSU’s a proven team,” he said. “Everyone knows that. I want our guys to relax and play. Whatever happens after that, I’m fine with it.

“I don’t want our guys to feel like they have to do more than they normally do. Relax, continue to improve and understand that this is a great opportunity to show your skills. Have playing in this environment.”