Offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger was LSU’s starting quarterback from 1976-79 and it’s safe to say he’d have loved to play in the offense he helped orchestrate this year.
“Well, back in the stone ages, we didn't do this kind of stuff,” Ensminger said with a laugh.“But it is fun for a number of reasons. Because there's guys sitting next to me who can make those plays. It's fun. As an offensive coordinator, you go years -- I think it's my 38th year of coaching -- to coach a quarterback like Joe and have receivers and running backs like we have. It's a special year.
“So, I would have loved to have been through this, but I don't think this offense was thought of back then.”
The Tigers switched to a spread offense this year shattered both school and SEC records for passing yards, touchdowns and even scoring as quarterback Joe Burrow went on to win the Heisman Trophy.
The revamped offense is a big part of why No. 1 LSU is set to face No. 4 Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff Semifinal Saturday. The change in offense was aided by the Tigers’ first-year passing game coordinator Joe Brady.
“I love him to death,” Ensminger said. “Coach O asked me -- he walked in my office, I can't remember when, but I think the Saints just lost the game they shouldn't have lost, and he said, ‘What do you think about Joe Brady?’ I said, ‘Get him here tomorrow.’”
Ensminger said it’s been great to work with Brady and said the two shared a funny moment early in LSU’s season opener against Georgia Southern.
“I'll never forget the one play, we're down on the goal line and we had a duo play called, a run play called. We looked over, and I put a run tag on it. I think Joe threw a touchdown to Justin.
“And then Brady looked up and says ‘how do you like this offense now?’ ‘Pretty damn good.’”