The Miswiring of TJ Finley and LSU Football: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction

When we discuss a football player “miswiring” a team, it often carries a metaphorical weight. It suggests not just a misstep on the field but perhaps a breakdown in the coordination between a player and his teammates or even a failure to fully align with the system in place. For TJ Finley, his time at LSU was marked by both flashes of potential and moments of inconsistency, which led to his eventual departure from the team. His story is one of unfulfilled promise, of a young quarterback who stepped into the limelight under challenging circumstances, only to leave behind a mixed legacy.

This analysis will explore TJ Finley’s journey at LSU, examining the highs and lows of his career, the impact he had on the team, and the broader implications for LSU football. We will also look at how Finley’s tenure contributed to a turbulent period in the program’s history and explore what “miswired” might mean in the context of his performance.

Background on TJ Finley

TJ Finley arrived at LSU in 2020 with high expectations. A highly touted recruit from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Finley was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He was a four-star recruit and showcased impressive physical traits that made him an intriguing prospect. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 250 pounds, Finley had the size and arm strength that many believed would allow him to thrive in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

In many ways, Finley was expected to be the next great quarterback to follow in the footsteps of Joe Burrow, who had led LSU to a national championship in 2019. The LSU program was still riding the wave of Burrow’s success, and expectations were high for whoever would take over at the quarterback position. However, Finley’s path to becoming LSU’s starter would not be as smooth as anticipated.

The 2020 Season: A Shaky Start

Finley’s debut season at LSU came during an unprecedented time for college football. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entire sports calendar, forcing changes to scheduling and preparation. As a result, Finley’s early development was affected by these unusual circumstances. With LSU coming off a national championship season and a talented roster, the pressure to maintain the program’s high standards was immense.

In the early stages of the 2020 season, Finley found himself thrust into a starting role after an injury to the starting quarterback, Myles Brennan. Brennan had been named LSU’s starting quarterback after the departure of Burrow to the NFL, but he struggled with injuries early on. As a result, Finley stepped in for the Tigers during a crucial game against South Carolina in October 2020.

Finley’s performance in his first start was mixed. He completed 17 of 21 passes for 265 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Despite the victory, his play was often inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure was questioned. At times, Finley looked like he could be the future of LSU football, but at other times, his inexperience and lack of rhythm with his receivers were apparent.

The Struggles to Find Consistency

As the 2020 season progressed, it became clear that Finley was still adapting to the speed and complexity of SEC football. While he had the physical tools to succeed, his decision-making often let him down. In several games, Finley struggled with accuracy, sometimes missing open receivers or throwing the ball into double coverage. In critical moments, his play would falter, preventing the team from building any real momentum.

In LSU’s game against Auburn, Finley had a difficult outing. Despite showing glimpses of his potential, he made critical mistakes that allowed Auburn to pull away. A key interception in the third quarter led to a momentum swing that LSU could not recover from. His inability to deliver in high-pressure situations became a recurring theme throughout the season.

Finley’s performance against Arkansas was another example of his struggles. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, he was ultimately outplayed by the Arkansas defense. He failed to find any rhythm, and LSU’s offense, which had been potent in the previous seasons, was stifled. The Tigers went on to lose 27-24, with Finley’s misfires playing a major role in the defeat.

At times, Finley seemed to be “miswired” with the offensive system and his teammates. His connection with LSU’s wide receivers, who had been some of the most talented in the nation in previous years, was not as seamless as many had hoped. LSU’s offensive line, too, was not as dominant as in previous years, which put additional pressure on Finley to make plays under duress.

Enter Max Johnson: The Turning Point

While Finley showed potential, he was ultimately outperformed by another young quarterback on the roster, Max Johnson. Johnson, who had also seen some action during the season, took over as the starting quarterback after Finley’s inconsistent performances. In his first start against Florida, Johnson led LSU to a thrilling victory, throwing for 239 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 upset. Johnson’s cool under pressure, leadership, and poise in the pocket immediately set him apart from Finley.

It was clear that, despite Finley’s physical advantages, Johnson was better suited to LSU’s system at the time. Johnson’s ability to read defenses and make smart decisions with the ball provided the stability that the Tigers needed. As the season came to a close, Johnson was firmly entrenched as the starter, and Finley’s role on the team diminished.

The Departure from LSU

After the 2020 season, it became evident that Finley’s time at LSU was drawing to a close. With Johnson solidifying his place as the team’s starting quarterback, Finley chose to enter the transfer portal. His departure marked the end of a short but tumultuous tenure at LSU. While Finley had the physical tools to succeed, his struggles with consistency and decision-making ultimately led to his exit from the program.

What Went Wrong? The “Miswiring” of Finley’s Career at LSU

Looking back at Finley’s time at LSU, one could argue that there were several factors that led to his struggles — and ultimately, his departure. The term “miswired” can be applied in multiple ways to describe what happened during his tenure.

Inconsistent Decision-Making: One of Finley’s most significant flaws as a quarterback was his inconsistency when it came to decision-making. At times, he would make great throws, showcasing his powerful arm and ability to stretch the field. However, he would also make inexplicable throws into coverage or miss wide-open receivers. This inconsistency hurt the offense, as it prevented any sustained rhythm or flow.
Lack of Chemistry with Receivers: A quarterback needs to be in sync with his wide receivers, and this was an area where Finley struggled. While LSU had a talented group of wideouts, Finley’s timing and accuracy were often off, leading to miscommunications and missed opportunities. At times, it seemed like the LSU offense was not operating on the same wavelength as Finley, contributing to the sense that something was “miswired” in the system.
Pressure of Following Joe Burrow: Coming in after Joe Burrow’s historic season put an immense amount of pressure on Finley. Burrow’s success had set a high bar for the LSU football program, and Finley had to contend with those expectations. Perhaps more importantly, the program was still adjusting to life after Burrow, and Finley struggled to live up to the legendary quarterback’s standard.
Challenges with the Offensive Line: LSU’s offensive line was not as dominant as it had been in previous years, which compounded Finley’s struggles. The lack of a strong pocket made it difficult for Finley to establish a rhythm, and the increased pressure likely contributed to some of his rushed decisions and turnovers.
Uncertainty and Lack of Stability: The 2020 season was filled with uncertainty due to the pandemic, and the instability of the quarterback situation likely affected the entire team. As Finley and Brennan alternated as starting quarterbacks, the offense lacked the stability it needed to function effectively.