LSU Tigers

Offensive coordinator Cameron moving to sideline pays off for LSU in Texas Bowl

Published Dec. 30, 2015 4:29 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Shawn Ramsey

HOUSTON -- The LSU Tigers had a secret weapon in the 56-27 win over Texas Tech Tuesday night in the Texas Bowl in Houston with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron making the move from the press box -- where he been stationed all season -- to the sideline. 

While the move from the outside looking in may not seem to make much of a difference, LSU head coach Les Miles believes Cameron's presence on the sidelines contributed to the lofty numbers the Tigers put up offensively in the bowl game. 

"It helped, I thought, tremendously.  I thought that he brought energy to it.  I thought that [LSU QB] Brandon Harris, seeing Cam and listening and getting instruction, not even so much what was said but how it was said, just made a tremendous difference to him and his approach," Miles said. What we needed to have happen in this game, to improve, we needed to have our quarterback play... I think Cam being down was exactly the right thing."

LSU quarterback Brandon Harris threw for 254 yards with a touchdown and interception. His solid performance was only part of the offensive puzzle that gained 638 total yards, 384 of those being rushing yards, with running back Leonard Fournette accounting for five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) on the night. 

Fournette believes Cameron on the sideline created more accountability for the offense, giving them more motivation to perform well having to face their offensive coordinator directly on the sidelines during the course of the game. 

"Well, really make us nervous, you know," Fournette said. "You don't want to mess up, just stick to the game plan and he's right there helping us each and every way basically with the little things."

According to Miles, the idea to bring Cameron to the sidelines was Harris' as he thought it would help him improve personally at his quarterback position to strengthen the offense. 

"To be very honest with you, Brandon Harris kind of asked for it.  It really kind of put it back on the table in my opinion," he said. "He'd been very comfortable on the sideline in the NFL."

The only drawback to having Cameron down on the field during games? His high fives, according to Miles. 

"I enjoyed him on the sideline except he has this high five, you know it hurts," he said.  "He has these big old paws. You better watch out."

share

Get more from LSU Tigers Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

LSU Tigers

Texas Tech Red Raiders