NEW ORLEANS (AP) -Ryan Perrilloux is undefeated in two starts. One of those was the Southeastern Conference championship game in which he was the most valuable player.
Not bad for a backup, which is why LSU coaches aren’t even trying to be coy about their plans to give Perrilloux some action behind starter Matt Flynn in Monday night’s BCS championship game against Ohio State.
LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton said he’s scripted about 10 plays for Perrilloux, but that number could go up or down, depending on the flow of the game.
“He’s a very talented running quarterback that can throw the ball,” Crowton said. “In his two starts, he’s thrown the ball really well.”
Flynn, a senior but a first-year starter, threw for 2,223 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns. He missed one game with a sprained ankle and the SEC title game with a bruised throwing shoulder.
When Flynn started, he took the majority of snaps, leaving early only when LSU was blowing out an opponent.
Perrilloux, a sophomore, saw sporadic action in crucial situations, usually only a few plays a half or on 2-point conversions.
“Why we decided to interject him in the process (is to) keep two quarterbacks healthy and give two quarterbacks experience with one being the lead guy, which Matt is,” Crowton said. “The other guy is growing and getting better and getting opportunities. At the same time, we can be physical in having that extra guy in the running game.”
Coach Les Miles never allowed Flynn to worry that his job was threatened, and Flynn clearly liked the way it turned out.
“I’ve had a lot of fun and it’s been an incredible year,” Flynn said. “I’ve just been happy to be part of this great team … and have all the success we’ve had.
“I really, truly wouldn’t give up this year for four years starting anywhere else.”
Perrilloux has a strong arm and can drill receivers downfield. He threw for threw for 694 yards and 8 touchdowns.
“I think people know I can throw the ball a little bit,” Perrilloux said. “I only ran one time on a scramble all year. Every other run I ever did was option or just a quarterback (keeper), something like that.
“I’m a pocket passer, you know, and my legs are just an extra dimension that I have.”
A productive dimension at that.
Perrilloux played a ton of option in high school and his proficiency was obvious to Miles and Crowton.
“Definitely, my roots are in the option,” said Perrilloux, who is 6-foot-2, 222 pounds and can shake off tacklers like a fullback.
Perrilloux has rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns this season and said a few more good option runs could help LSU sustain momentum against Ohio State.
“I think it makes (us) more dangerous,” Perrilloux said. “Six or seven yards and a nice finish off of a run will definitely spark a ballclub and that’s what I look forward to doing.”
Flynn appeared to throw with no trouble during practice this week and said his shoulder feels good. But should he re-aggravate the injury, Perrilloux won’t come in lacking big-game experience.
He was 20-of-30 for 243 yards and a touchdown in the 21-14 SEC title game win against Tennessee.
“I just wanted to come out and show everyone I could play ball,” Perrilloux said. “I didn’t try to do too much. I played through the older guys. I played through (Jacob) Hester. I played through Early Doucet … and that’s why I think I had success in my two starts.”
Still, he’ll be back on the sideline when Flynn leads the Tigers’ offense on the field in the BCS title game.
The question is, for how long?
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