LSU QB leaves game after big hit

Published Sep. 1, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger has left his first game as a starter following a vicious sack.

Mettenberger was slammed flat on his back by blitzing North Texas cornerback Hilbert Jackson on a third-down play late in the first quarter. There appeared to be helmet-to-helmet contact before Mettenberger's head snapped backward.

Mettenberger was able to walk to the bench on his own and threw passes on the sideline after being examined by trainers, but the LSU staff did not allow Mettenberger to have his helmet back when North Texas punted the ball back to the Tigers. LSU backup QB Stephen Rivers, brother of NFL QB Philip Rivers, entered the game on the next series.

Later, Mettenberger trotted to the locker room. He was 3 of 5 for 51 yards.