LSU vs Arkansas: Will Les Miles Stick with Jordan Jefferson?

In the back of their minds, LSU fans were quietly fearing that Jarrett Lee would at some point revert back to his old interception-machine self. Unfortunately, not only did it happen, but it happened during the most crucial game of the season against Alabama.

Lee tossed two killer picks to the Tide in the "Game of the Century." Luckily, however, the Tigers defense was always there to bail him out.

Even so, it was obvious that Les Miles had a short leash with Lee, who he quickly pulled in favor of Jordan Jefferson.

Jefferson helped get the win over Alabama, and he’s subsequently been rewarded with the starting gig against both Western Kentucky and Ole Miss.

This Friday’s showdown against No. 3 Arkansas is a completely different level of competition and pressure, though. How Les Miles handles his quarterback situation could end up having a major effect on how the game ultimately plays out.

The burning question is, will Miles stick with Jefferson or will he let Jarrett Lee have another chance to prove himself? 

Lee has only thrown five passes since the Alabama game, but he’s likely going to see some more snaps against the Razorbacks. It will be up to him to make the most of those opportunities and prove to Miles that he’s overcome his interception bug.

The Tigers haven’t exactly needed a stellar passing game to find success this season, as they’ve averaged just 167 yards through the air per game. However, Arkansas has one of the most explosive passing attacks in the country and LSU will have to be able to at least keep pace.

Jefferson has shown that he can be a quality grind-it-out game-manager kind of quarterback, but he doesn’t exactly fit the perfect prototype of the kind of quarterback who you want hurling the ball around in a shootout.

We know the story by now—Lee’s the better passer, Jefferson’s the better runner.

If Miles shares that sentiment, he might be more inclined to lean on Lee if the game starts getting up there in points.

You have to be encouraged by what you’ve seen out of Jordan Jefferson recently, but use cautious optimism. There’s no telling how he will fare on a pressure-packed stage against a worthy adversary on Friday.

The bottom line is there’s just no room for error this late in the season.

If Jefferson falters early, Les Miles has no choice but to hand the reins to Jarrett Lee and hope that he can guide him to Atlanta safe and sound.