LSU Football 2011: Should the Tigers Move on With Zach Mettenberger at QB?

The LSU Tigers are currently ranked fourth in the AP Poll and have National Championship expectations. Les Miles says this is the most-talented team he has ever coached. That's really saying something.

Really, the only weakness on this team is quarterback situation. It may sound like it's not a big deal, because most teams with a great defense and a great head coach can sometimes make up for a shaky quarterback. But when your quarterback only throws for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, it's a huge weakness. When your passing game is ranked 107 out of 120 teams and averages just 155 passing yards a game, it's a glaring weakness.

That quarterback is senior Jordan Jefferson, and he's never really put up great numbers throughout his career. His sophomore season, he completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,166 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Those are decent numbers, but are they really enough to win a National Championship?

He did rush for 450 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but a quarterback that has a 2.6 yard-per-rush average isn't much of a threat to run.

Should the Tigers go with a quarterback that LSU fans have never really embraced?

On the LSU depth chart is a quarterback that has caused controversy but has all the potential to be great. His name is Zach Mettenberger. 

Mettenberger committed to Georgia, but was released after an incident in a bar that led to him pleading guilty to sexual battery. After a remarkable season performance at Butler Community College in Kansas, he transferred to LSU. He is labeled the backup, but many believe he can be the starter right now.

He has the NFL body and the NFL arm with the ability to make any throw—including the tough ones. He has great mechanics and solid decision-making on the field. It's his decision-making off the field that has Les Miles questioning if he can fill the starter role.

Metternberger is very immature, but what 20-year-old isn't?

Haven't we seen this situation just last season with Cam Newton, who had a longer run in with trouble than Metternberger? Just ask Auburn how that story ended and if they believe they made the right decision. 

If my team is in the running for a National Title, I would want the best available player on the field and I'd worry about maturity later. I'd take the one that's more mature when I'm hiring someone to work for me. Or, if I need a ride home. I'd pick the one that doesn't think it's funny to go 50 over the speed limit or play chicken with on-coming traffic.

Otherwise, me the more talented but immature quarterback over the mature but lesser talented one any day.

Jordan Jefferson was given his chance, and he's been sub-par in two straight seasons. Metternberger should be the choice. But the reality is that he won't be. He won't be the starting quarterback until Jefferson blows it with a late-game interception or an interception on 4th-and-3.

There's always next year.