The question still buzzing around the state of Louisiana is this: "Who is going to be under center for LSU this season?". That question most likely will not be answered until the Tigers open the season at the end of this month against Appalachian State in Baton Rouge.

Head coach Les Miles had this same problem going into the 2005 season. Coach Miles had the choice to either give Matt Flynn or JaMarcus Russell the starting quarterback position.

JaMarcus Russell was elected the starter, and ended up being the number one overall draft pick to the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft. Flynn finally got his turn at the quarterback position in the 2007 season, and led his team to the Allstate BCS National Championship, defeating Ohio State 38-24 to make LSU the first team to win two BCS titles.

This season is a bit different than the Russell-Flynn situation. There are four quarterbacks on the LSU roster that are available for the starting job. One of those players, Jordan Jefferson, could possibly be redshirted because it is his first year with the LSU program. The other three canidates for the starting job are: sophomore Andrew Hatch;  redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee; and redshirt freshman T.C. McCartney. 

Andrew Hatch is arguably the best for the starting position because he is now entering his third season as a Tiger, and is more familar with the LSU program. Also, Jarrett Lee is said to be very talented as a quarterback. If Jordan Jefferson is not redshirted he could also get the start, but it is not likely. I feel that this contest is between Lee and Hatch for the most part.

No matter who the starter is on August 30, Demetrius Byrd will still be the number one guy going out to catch the passes. Byrd is joined by Brandon LaFell, Jared Mitchell, Terrance Tolliver, and Ricky Dickson among others.

Last week in a press conference, when asked about the quarterback situation, and if there could be a two quarterback system this season, Les Miles replied, "I really think that it might well it's difficult for a young guy like Jefferson to come in here and accommodate the offense and, I don't know that I see them exactly the same. I think that he's improved. He's much more seasoned, ready to play in games."

Also at that press conference, Coach Miles was talking about the first day of camp, and he said, "We're not ready to play a game, there is no way we're ready to play a game, but if we work like we did today, we will be ready to play and certainly have the opportunity to play well as the season goes forward.”

According to Miles, the Tigers have a little work to do before they open their season on August 30.

The LSU Tigers are sure ready for a great season in the SEC, and also look to defend their National Title. They open their season against Appalachian State on August 30, 2008, and that game will be aired on ESPN at 4pm (CT).

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