As No. 9 LSU braces for Eastern Michigan this weekend, much of the limelight, deservedly, has been on Leonard Fournette.

The Heisman Trophy hopeful is set to gash an Eastern Michigan rush defense that’s ranked dead last in the nation, allowing more than 373 yards per game.

A mismatch indeed. But while LSU’s rushing attack should have its way with the Eagles defensively, it opens the door for one other possibility.

Sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris has flourished as a game manager through three games, but Eastern Michigan might as well serve as a confidence booster before LSU again delves into its SEC schedule.

In three games, Harris has attempted merely 47 passes and has averaged a shade over 100 passing yards per game. Harris has been effective, accurate and careful with the football. He’s also proven to be a threat running the ball.

That formula was successful on the road at Mississippi State and against Auburn. But in order to prepare Harris for the road ahead, he needs to enjoy a breakout game.

Because Eastern Michigan is vulnerable against the run, Les Miles and Cam Cameron should formulate a game plan in which Harris can make some big plays with his arm early and often. Yes, it seems a bit counterintuitive, but the strategy is very much worth it.

Harris needs a big game of sorts before returning to league play next week in South Carolina, then hosting No. 25 Florida. Opportunities like this, against a porous Eastern Michigan defense, allows him to develop an even better rapport with his wide receivers and gain the internal certainty that he can be a game changer as a passer.

Obviously, LSU’s decision to keep Harris under wraps against higher-caliber opponents has worked out. Leaning on Fournette and the rushing attack along with a stout defense will lead to Tigers victories in the SEC. Thus far, the blueprint has worked with Harris making throws here and there, as well as a few runs.

But what happens if an undefeated Florida team comes to Death Valley in two weeks? What’s going to be the situation like when LSU must travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to take on Bama? And what about if LSU and Ole Miss are battling it out at the end of November for the right to go to the SEC Championship Game?

At some point, it seems inevitable Harris will have to do more than just manage the game. He’s thrived in that role, but neither the game against Mississippi State nor the one against Auburn have forced Miles to ask his quarterback to make a game-saving throw.

Harris won the starting quarterback job over Anthony Jennings for a reason. He put in the effort in the offseason. He showed a better understanding of the playbook, and through three games, he’s played at an entirely new level than he did a year ago.

However, for his own sake, Harris needs to leave his mark on more games, and Eastern Michigan presents LSU with that exact opportunity. Let Harris make a couple of difficult throws, pass for a few touchdowns and develop some chemistry with his receivers, then turn the game over to Fournette and the running game to close out a fourth consecutive win.

Down the road, this could be the game Harris remembers as the one that gave him confidence to make a game-winning play against Florida, Alabama or Ole Miss. And those plays might be the ones to decide LSU’s season.