Jordan Jefferson (#9) Photo Credit: www.bleacherreport.com
Disgraced LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson wants his starting job back from Jarrett Lee, his replacement. Jefferson, a senior, was reinstated to the football program last week after suspension for his involvement in a mid-August fight. He had originally been charged with felony second-degree battery, but a Louisiana grand jury reduced his charge to simple battery, a misdemeanor, thus clearing the way for his return. Jefferson has been LSU’s starting signal-caller since November 2008, his true freshman season in Baton Rouge. However, in his absence, Lee has propelled the Tigers to the top of the AP Top 25 poll with an impressive 5-0 record.
According to ESPN.com, Jefferson is ready to play again.
Lee, also a senior, has filled in admirably and deserves to retain the keys to LSU’s offense. In five games this season, he has completed 59 percent of his passes and thrown seven touchdowns to just one interception. Three of LSU’s wins have been against teams that were ranked in the top-25, with two of the wins coming on the road (Mississippi State, West Virginia).
With the 17th ranked Florida Gators (4-1) traveling to Death Valley this weekend, fans and those close to LSU want to know what head coach Les Miles has planned for Jefferson. In last week’s 35-7 victory over SEC foe Kentucky, Jefferson saw limited action, carrying the ball just four times for 29 yards. But Miles afforded his quarterback the opportunity to score in the game’s opening quarter on a successful one-yard quarterback sneak play call. Lee took the lion’s share of the snaps against Kentucky, but one must wonder what Miles has up his sleeve for this week’s more formidable opponent. Resist the temptation Les.
Although Jefferson’s been cleared to play, Miles must stick with Lee as his starter. Lee has successfully navigated a treacherous five-game portion of LSU’s schedule and has the team in contention for a chance at not only the SEC title, but also the national title. Despite the grand jury’s ruling, Miles is ultimately Jefferson’s judge, jury and executioner. Miles must hold him accountable. There is a lot that Jefferson must do to show his teammates that he’s remorseful for putting their season in jeopardy because of his irresponsible, reprehensible actions. Only then should the subject of significant playing time be broached. The Lee-led Tigers and their suffocating defense have convincingly shown that they are just fine without him.
