Jordan Jefferson: How Will Jefferson's Return Impact LSU's Run Towards the BCS?
The No. 1 ranked LSU Tigers just got even better because the suspension on quarterback Jordan Jefferson has been lifted.
However, this does create a problem since the Tigers have been doing a great job with Jarrett Lee as the starter. Jefferson will definitely help the team, but it's uncertain how much playing time he will actually get.
Head coach Les Miles has a lot to think about, but he made it clear who the starting quarterback will be.
Per NOLA.com:
""(Lee) has been our starter for four weeks, and I told him today he will be our starter going forward," Miles said. "It would be inappropriate for me not to recognize the position that we're in now, currently, the things that he's done, and the things that we've continued to do with him at quarterback."
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It's the right decision by Miles because Lee has been better than anyone expected. The first game against Oregon wasn't stellar by any means, but because Lee knows he has a superb defense helping him out, it gives him great confidence.
The biggest thing for Lee is that he has only thrown one interception, which is great considering that has always plagued him in the past and was a main reason Jefferson was the original starter.
Miles did go on to say that Jefferson will have an opportunity to play every game.
""I think it's also important to realize that with another skill set, you would soon introduce Jordan Jefferson to an opportunity to playing some of the time. But right now, it's certainly Lee's opportunity first."
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The return of Jefferson will have a large impact on this team. Miles has to make sure that Jefferson's return doesn't drastically change the way they do things on a daily basis because it will mess with Lee.
With Jefferson back on the team, there is added pressure for Lee to continue to play at a high level. If makes a costly mistake then Miles can't immediately pull him for Jefferson like he's done in the past.
It's a difficult situation, but Miles needs to make sure Lee knows he believes in him. Benching him for Jefferson after he throws an interception or has a few bad series will not bode well for Lee's confidence.
There's no doubt that Jefferson will play, but at first it should only be on a limited basis. Remember that this guy was originally charged with a felony for his role in a bar fight.
The charges were reduced to a misdemeanor, and Jefferson's attorney Lewis Unglesby said his client "will never be convicted" if the case goes to trial, according to NOLA.com.
Jefferson could face up to six months in jail and fines up to $500 if convicted, but let's be real, how often are athletes held accountable for off-the-field incidents? Such an interesting society we live in today.
Putting Jefferson in immediately would basically be saying that the team doesn't even acknowledge what happened. Even though he's already served a four-game suspension, there should still be some type of punishment for him.
I'm not saying it has to be harsh or anything, but more along the lines of very limited playing time for a few weeks.
After all, the Tigers should roll their schedule in the next month. The only difficult game they have is when the Florida Gators come into town, but the Tigers' defense should come out on top because the Gators will struggle in "Death Valley."
Tiger Stadium is not an easy place to play in, and while it isn't a night game, the Tigers will cruise on past the Gators.
Don't expect to see much of Jefferson in the coming weeks, unless of course LSU has a substantial lead over their opponents. That could very well happen given that they're playing against Kentucky this week, as well as Tennessee and Auburn in October.
Of course Jefferson's return makes the Tigers a better team, but they cannot let it ruin all they good they've done thus far in the season. As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
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