With the questions lingering around LSU starting QB Jordan Jefferson’s status the possibility of Jefferson not playing should scare Duck fans…
Any time I see a two QB system being used it tells me that the coaches don’t have complete faith in either of the athletes. Two signal callers will not work in competitive football, unless you are a heavy running team and place little value on that position it is a terrible idea. A QB must be a leader within the team’s chemistry. He doesn’t have to be the main vocal leader in the locker room but a QB must be able to lead by example both on and off the field. When the coaching staff decides to sub in the “backup” what message does that send to the team? LSU 2010 team featured Jordan Jefferson (majority playing time) and Jarrett Lee (Lee did not play in weeks one and three, or the Cotton Bowl) at quarterback.
Jefferson did win a leadership award after the 2011 LSU spring game. He has athletic ability and at times looks like a really good QB in the pocket. However many times talented young players don’t get the guidance they need to become outstanding players. On the field Jefferson reminds me of former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor. Both guys have made tremendous plays with their feet and fit nicely in systems that utilize the QB as a ball carrier as well as a pocket passer. Regardless of your skills as a runner the position requires consistency in the passing game. Technique, accuracy, and the ability to read defensive coverage’s are critical for this level of play. Similar to Tim Tebow in the NFL, Jefferson is not the guy to solely lead an SEC champion. Week one against North Carolina Jefferson threw two TD’s, he did not throw another touchdown until November 9th against Alabama. That’s a stretch of seven games without a touchdown pass (also in games 10 and 12 Jefferson did not throw any TD’s but had three in the Alamo Bowl game).
Lee becomes a wildcard with junior college transfer Zach Mettenberger. Every statement that I can find from LSU offensive coaches is that Jefferson and Lee know the offense better at this point. Once again what does that statement really mean? Mettenberger is a better QB. Zach had a good spring game and if Jefferson can’t play Zach’s reps in practice will go up with the 1’s and 2’s (starters and backups), forcing his development process to speed up tremendously. Mettenberger has the skills to be a great collegiate QB. I like his footwork in the pocket as well as in the roll out package. Mettenberger has great touch on his deep ball. I am reminded of another SEC QB former Florida Gator Rex Grossman when I see Zach throw a sideline fade. At 6’5 222 pounds I would be much happier seeing him third on the Tigers’ depth chart carrying a clip board at Cowboy Stadium if I was a Duck fan. What LSU loses in the running game without Jefferson, they gain tremendous strength in their passing game. The Tigers have a tremendous group of receivers, talented tailbacks, and a quality offensive line. With Mettenberger making decisions in the pocket LSU becomes (already ranked #4) a serious national championship contender. Unless Les Miles and company know something that we don’t (chances of that are very high) the Duck faithful should hope to see anyone but the guy who got the loudest applause from LSU fans at the 2011 spring game, the kid from Georgia, number 8 Zach Mettenberger starting at QB for the Tigers.