Did LSU QB Jordan Jefferson Play His Way Onto The Bench?

Many people will look at LSU's 32-10 victory over McNeese St. and throw their arms in the air with disgust over Les Miles' continued use of an ineffective Jordan Jefferson. What is not mentioned though, is the logical approach to the game that Les Miles took as the game ran its course.

LSU's defense was again dominate, as McNeese's only scores came off LSU turnovers deep in Tiger Territory.  Even with the Tigers playing without overwhelming emotion, the game was never going to be in doubt, thanks to a defense that is rivaling even the vaunted 2003 defense that won LSU its first national championship since 1959.

LSU's special teams, specifically CB/return specialist Patrick Peterson, was solid in his limited opportunities to touch the football.  Kicker Josh Jasper had an up-and-down night, executing a fake punt before missing on an extra point and a 32-yard field goal later in the game.  

Offensively there were bright spots, but far too many dim moments to mention.  QB Jarrett Lee once again led the Tigers on every scoring drive, yet received the minority of the snaps in the two QB system that LSU is using.  RB Michael Ford scored the first two touchdowns of his LSU career, and RB Stevan Ridley again produced another strong performance.

The dim moments came, once again, when struggling QB Jordan Jefferson was under center.  Jefferson looked even more inept than usual as the LSU offense came to a screeching halt under Jefferson's direction.  Jefferson locked onto receivers, lost a fumble and looked lost most of the time.  

The boos reigned down in Tiger Stadium when Jefferson entered the game, and Tiger Nation emphatically asks the questions "Why," "How?," and "When?"  Specifically, why does Les Miles continue to keep Jefferson under center?  How does Les Miles not see that Lee is more effective?  When is Miles going to take action in the situation, and allow Lee to start?

These are all valid questions, and the answers will probably come next week when LSU travels to Jorden-Hare stadium in the annual clash with Auburn, but they were not going to be answered last night.

Miles knows that Jefferson is struggling.  He has publicly admitted it.  Miles also knew that the McNeese St. Cowboys were not going to take control of the game, as LSU's defense and running game are too good.  

This was Jordan Jefferson's game to prove himself worthy of being the QB in the meat of the schedule.  Jefferson proved the contrary however.  Jefferson is very effective with his abilities to run in the redzone, but he is simply not capable at this time to lead the Tigers into the redzone.

Miles will continue to dance around the questions that are sure to come regarding Jefferson, but Miles knows that he has a national championship caliber-defense, an all-world return man in Patrick Peterson, and a stout running game.  

Against the undefeated Auburn Tigers, Miles will show that he has an offense to compete as well, with QB Jarrett Lee leading the way.