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Though not totally unexpected, today's revelation from ESPN that quarterback Jarrett Lee will start against Louisiana Tech Saturday is actually good news for the Tigers.
Lee is, of course, the quarterback pressed into service last year after the dismissal of Ryan Perrilloux. Lee's performance was at times promising (Auburn second half) and cringe-worthy at others (Georgia and Alabama).
He finished the season with over 1,800 yards passing and 13 touchdowns, but 16 interceptions. And seven of those were returned for touchdowns. After the steady leadership of Matt Flynn, Lee looked like someone overwhelmed and overcome last year.
Lee's only real action of the 2009 season came last week in relief of Jordan Jefferson, who was hurt in the third quarter of the loss at Alabama. Lee looked tentative and unsure of himself, completing only 4-of-10 passes for 44 yards and a pick that ended LSU's last drive.
But with a whole week to prepare, Lee has a chance to put all of that behind him. And he will have to.
In a column written before the season, I labeled Lee as someone who would have to step up this season and perform at some point to get the Tigers over some hurdles.
Lee will not get a better chance to right his ship. His team will be at home, facing the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, owners of the 46th-ranked pass defense in the country.
Even more importantly, the Bulldogs have only the 98th-ranked run defense in the country, which should allow Lee to operate the offense with minimal risk. Even with Charles Scott out of the game, the Tigers should be able to generate enough of a run game to prevent Lee from having to carry the team with his arm.
The game will also give the Tiger coaches another opportunity to test the arm of freshman athlete Russell Shepard, who has yet to throw a pass this season, despite being listed on the official team depth chart as the third quarterback.
But one player that everyone will be watching is Lee. Does he have the mental fortitude to overcome his history, or will he be relegated to the pile of not-quite-good-enough quarterbacks? He has shown, at times, the ability to be a good passer, but can he funnel that type of performance into a full game?
He will get a chance to prove that he can Saturday night.
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