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Quarterback Comparison: LSU vs. Texas

Louisiana Tech v Texas Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

The LSU Tigers made it look easy against the Georgia Southern Eagles last Saturday, opening the season with a 55-3 win in Tiger Stadium.

But this week, they face a much stronger Texas Longhorns team in Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Burrow and his supporting cast will be up against a more established defense, which features four returners under defensive coordinator Todd Orlando.

Both LSU and Texas feature strong players who have well-cemented the starting position for themselves at their respective universities.

Here’s a look at how LSU’s Joe Burrow and Texas’ Sam Ehlinger stack up.

Joe Burrow

NCAA Football: Georgia Southern at Louisiana State Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

First Impression: Burrow came into the 2019 season looking to continue to prove his ability to take the offense to the next level, and did just that in Saturday’s blowout win over Georgia Southern.

Burrow looked smart and comfortable in the pocket, tying former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger’s single-game passing touchdown record (5) in just one half of football.

Last showing: vs. Georgia Southern, W 55-3

Burrow was 23-of-27 passes for 278 yards, with five touchdowns and no interceptions.

QBR: 95.6

Bottom line for Saturday: Burrow and the Tigers hardly faced a difficult opponent in the Eagles last week, but will be up against a much stronger team as they take on the Longhorns. This will be a close contest, but the offense must be able to counteract Todd Orlando’s 3-3-5 defense and disguised blitzes.

Sam Ehlinger

NCAA Football: Louisiana Tech at Texas Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

First Impression: Ehlinger is a very different quarterback than Burrow, and has drawn comparisons to Tim Tebow from LSU coach Ed Orgeron. He also noted Ehlinger’s ability to scramble, so he won’t be easy to contain or take down.

He’s a great all-around athlete — good on his feet and makes good decisions throwing the ball.

Last showing: vs. LA Tech, W 45-14

Ehlinger completed 28-of-38 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns.

QBR: 84.4

Bottom line for Saturday: Ehlinger will be up against one of the best secondaries in college football, and must be careful to avoid turnovers. Bringing constant pressure will be vital to LSU stopping such an accurate quarterback, and how well they do just that will be have a direct bearing on whether they win or lose.