LSU Football: Will a Quarterback Controversy Hurt the Tigers' Title Hopes?

LSU has found itself in the driver’s seat to the national championship so far in 2011. They are now the No. 1 team in the country heading into today’s game at Tennessee, but there is still one major concern for the Tigers as they get to the heart of the schedule.

Heading into the season the biggest question was if the Tigers would be able to contend for a title with an inconsistent Jordan Jefferson at quarterback. After a preseason arrest that led to a suspension, it appeared that the title hopes for the Tigers may have taken a turn for the worse.

Jarrett Lee had played for the Tigers in the past but was known for his inconsistencies as well and Jefferson was looked upon as the lesser of two evils. Lee changed that perception quite quickly guiding the LSU Tigers to a win over national power Oregon in the season opener.

What has occurred in the past six games is quite surprising as the Tigers faithful hoped to stay undefeated until their true starting quarterback returned.

Jefferson has now returned from suspension and has seen his snaps increase in the past two weeks. He will likely see more snaps as the season progresses and is a vital change of pace from the position for the Tigers. With both quarterbacks looking to make impacts and earn starts, could this midseason competition hinder the Tigers title hopes?

Les Miles doesn’t seem to think that it will hurt the Tigers' chances at success. He says there is no quarterback controversy and that Lee is their guy. He is the guy until he makes a big mistake, obviously. So far he hasn’t been tested too often, but he did have to use his arm against Mississippi State.

Keeping Lee reliant on the power rushing attack that is Spencer Ware and Michael Ford is a must, but there is a lack of options with Lee in the game. With Jefferson there is an added run threat, but a less than consistent passing threat.

It is very difficult to balance two quarterbacks and be successful, especially at the upper level of championship football but it can be done.

One example of success was Florida’s use of Tim Tebow and Chris Leak during the 2007 BCS Championship Game. It has to be managed eloquently as even the smallest of details matter when a different quarterback enters the game.

Jefferson will see his role grow as the season grinds on but Lee is and will be the starter. He has proven his worth and earned the right to manage the team. If Miles can keep his team focused on the end result, then this will be a difficult Tigers team to defeat.

LSU sees the success in front of them but maintaining focus as a team and rallying around both leaders is a must if they want to stay in the title hunt. There can’t be a controversy in the locker room as team division breeds losses. So far Miles has done a great job at rallying the troops; nothing indicates that will change.

The rushing attack for the Tigers was known to be a strength and the defense has been better than advertised through the first six games. There isn’t much that stands in the way of these Tigers and the title despite possible quarterback inconsistencies.