College Football Rankings: Legal Woes of Jordan Jefferson a Blessing in Disguise

Headed into the 2011 season, Jordan Jefferson was projected to be LSU's starting quarterback, as he'd been since 2009.

But there were questions about whether he could lead the Tigers to a national championship, given his propensity to turn the ball over in 2010, when he threw for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

There were murmurs about Jefferson looking better in the offseason, but after being charged with second degree battery following a bar fight, it was fifth-year senior Jarrett Lee who stepped into Jefferson's starting spot.

Now, four games into the season, all Lee has done is lead LSU past Oregon, Mississippi State and West Virginia, all Top-25 teams, before meeting the Tigers.

And although LSU's defense is the main reason why the Tigers are 4-0, it's not like Lee has been skating by. Lee has already thrown 624 yards and six touchdowns to just one interception.

Said head coach Les Miles, via ESPN:

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"I've really enjoyed how Jarrett's continued to compete. I think his teammates have responded extremely well. He was voted team captain in a very strong vote going into the first game. They're counting on him, and frankly, he's given them every reason to count on him by the way he's contributed and the way he's continued to compete."

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To think the Tigers could have very easily been without Lee coming into this season. Lee's always been a prospect that could start for other programs, but his love of everything LSU has kept him nearby in case of trouble.

Well, four games into the season, nobody is doubting Lee now. Against West Virginia, Lee threw for three touchdowns.

Lee isn't going to be one to throw up 300 yards very often, but he knows the LSU system well as a fifth-year senior and he's proving that he can take care of the ball, which may be all the Tigers need to win the national title this season.

Who knew that Jarrett Lee would prove to be a better quarterback than Jordan Jefferson?