LSU Football: Will Bye Week Help the Tigers Passing Game?

The No. 10 LSU Tigers will host the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday afternoon in a game that has serious Southeastern Conference and BCS National Championship implications.

Both teams bring top 10 defenses to the table so the game will come down to which offense can manage even meager production and put points on the scoreboard.

Alabama has talent on the offensive side of the ball with Mark Ingram at running back, Julio Jones at wide receiver and a quarterback in Greg McElroy that can get the ball into the hands of his playmakers.

LSU has talent as well with a stable of running backs and a top-tier receiving group.  However, the Tigers are missing that key element, a quarterback that can consistently put the ball into the hands of the playmakers and move the chains.

Jarrett Lee has proved to everyone but Les Miles that he can move the chains when given the opportunity, however Miles has shown severe reluctance to give Lee a chance.

Miles has again and again gone back to struggling quarterback Jordan Jefferson despite Jefferson’s consistent inability to move the offense.

Perhaps the extra time with the bye week has given the Mad Hatter a chance to put together a game plan that can utilize the talents of both quarterbacks, but I wouldn't hold your breath Tiger Fans.

The problem, as well as the solution, at quarterback has been obvious all season long yet Miles keeps going back to dry well that is Jefferson despite Lee showing success leading the team.

With both teams having bye weeks preceding this week’s match up in Baton Rouge, this game will come down to coaching.  Needless to say, that’s not good for the Tigers.

Hopefully for Tiger fans and for the Tigers chances at a BCS bowl, Miles will recognize his ignorance and the fact that the answer has been jumping up and down in front of him all season long and go with Lee for the majority of this ball game.

Given the chance, Lee can lead this Tiger team to success this week against Alabama.  However, the big question remains.  Will his head coach give him that chance?