In Flynn We Trust
The LSU Tigers open the season ranked No. 2 in the nation with hopes for BCS National Title. However, senior Matt Flynn, the man who will be counted on to lead the Tigers to glory has started just one game at quarterback in his career. In that start, though, Matt Flynn showed his potential to be a great leader for the Tigers after a breakout performance against Miami in the 2005 Peach Bowl.
Matt Flynn started for the injured Jamarcus Russell and was named the game's Offensive Most Outstanding Player after finishing 13-22 for 196 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 40-3 LSU victory. It marked the first time in school history that an LSU quarterback made his first career start in a bowl game.
Unfortunately for Matt Flynn, his play in 2006 was limited to mop up duty, as he had to watch Jamarcus Russell throw for over 3,000 yards en route to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. In a reserve role, Matt Flynn finished last season 12-20 for 133 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Also, Matt Flynn showed his mobility with 13 carries for 86 yards and one touchdown.
"Matt has been such a pleasure to coach," new Offensive Coordinator Gary Crowton said. "He's intelligent and has a great work ethic. He has a leadership quality and is easy to coach. When I came in as a new guy, and coming into a program that has had a lot of success with the coordinator before me, he accepted me very well and listened to me."
To learn the entire story about Matt Flynn you have to go all the way back to 2003. The 6'3 Matt Flynn from Tyler, Texas was rated the No. 20 overall quarterback in the nation by ESPN.com recruiting. Matt Flynn signed with LSU after a stellar senior season where he completed 60% of his passes, gained 1,984 all purpose yards and scored 21 total TDs. Best of all, he showed his toughness when he led his team to the state semi-finals, despite playing the last four games with a broken foot.
In the last four years, the redshirt senior has sat behind Matt Mauck, Marcus Randall and Jamarcus Russell. Now, however, it is Matt Flynn's team, and he expects to turn his potential into success this season after running the first team offense in practice numerous times. "He worked with me and really led the young guys in the right direction," Crowton said. "I've been very pleased with him. I've watched him on films from last year, and I've watched him on film now. I've seen a lot of improvement and I think good things are going to happen."
The guy Matt Flynn will rely on all season for good things to happen is senior receiver Early Doucet.
"I feel very confident with Early Doucet," said Matt Flynn. "It's obvious; if I need a big play or a big first down, I'm going to look to him first. There's no doubt about that. He's proven throughout the years that he can make big plays, and I feel fortunate that I have him out there because it makes my job a little bit easier."
On August 30th against Mississippi State in Starkville, the wait will finally be over for Matt Matt Flynn as he gets to show that he is ready to lead the Tigers' journey to the National Championship in New Orleans.
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