Mettenberger: Execution is the key

Through eight games LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger experienced some growing pains in his first season as a starter. Since, he's led a turnaround of the Tiger offense, which suddenly is much more balanced.

Zach Mettenberger’s first season as the LSU starting quarterback has seen its fair share of ups and downs. However, in his last two games, the 6-5 230-pound junior has thrown for 571 yards and three touchdowns while avoiding any turnovers.

Mettenberger believes that the team executing better on first down in the passing game is the reason for the offense getting a jumpstart in recent weeks, something he believes will continue for the remainder of the season.

“We have been practicing that a lot and we have been executing it a lot in games, so if we keep doing that then I don’t see any reason why it won’t continue,” said Mettenberger. “We just have to keep executing and we just have to keep playing really sound football and we will be just fine.”

Mettenberger’s recent success has been coupled with the fact that he finally appears comfortable in the pocket. Being comfortable in the pocket is something that Mettenberger knew would take some time to adjust, and he credits his offensive line for getting him to the point of being comfortable in the pocket.

“I’m a fourth-year player, but I was a rookie this year and I’m finally getting comfortable back there,” said Mettenberger. “I think a lot of it is that we have some O-Linemen that have spent four years here together and they are a cohesive unit. As long as they keep giving me time to stay in the pocket then I will be comfortable back there.”

Aside from his offensive line, Mettenberger also gives a lot of the credit for the offensive success to his receivers. He believes that all of the receivers have stepped up big in a way recently, and never was that more evident than with the performance of sophomore Jarvis Landry on Saturday night.

“Jarvis was hot that night. He has been coming on very strong lately and he has been practicing really well,” said Mettenberger. “Those guys all have a great mindset this year and it should stay that way.

“They are doing the right things and running the right routes. They are being really crisp in their route running as well. They are just making plays and if they continue to do that it will be great.”

Mettenberger feels as though the execution by the players over the last couple of weeks has really allowed for the play calling to be as effective as it could have been all season.

“I feel like Coach Stud has mixed it up really well here recently,” said Mettenberger. “He’s been doing a great job of that all year and now we’re past the point where we are starting to get better, so we just need to keep doing what we have been doing and continue to execute.”

Even with the team’s 37-17 victory over Mississippi State last week, Mettenberger still feels that there is room for improvement and the team just needs to stay focused on what is ahead.

“We did a lot of good things last week and mistakes were still made,” said Mettenberger. “Overall, we had a good game and we just have to keep it rolling for the Ole Miss game.”