Expect a breakout year from Jefferson in 2010 and here's why

I'm with you Bandit. It's not because I don't like Jefferson, because I do and I think he's going to be somewhat improved this year. It's because aside from the fans that bash (bash, not be critical of) Lee over the 2008 season, I've never heard anything about him that indicates he's anything other than a class act. I've spoken with people on and around the team and they all say the same thing about him, that he's an awesome guy and one hell of a QB, despite what happened with him in 2008. I'd like to see him achieve redemption before he leaves LSU, he deserves it.

I'm not advocating that he starts, but I'd love to see him come into a game where it's his to win/lose, and win it convincingly enough to get the fans to let go of 2008.. That's all I'm saying.

 

There's no question (IMHO) which Lee would get the nod (JL). They wouldn't stick ZL in straight out of highschool over a QB that already has a season of experience in the SEC and knows the offensive system.

That said, I think that JJ would have to flop pretty bad to get benched. If he's just like he was last year, Miles won't bench him. But for that matter, if he performs the same as last year and our O-line and running game has improved even a little bit, it's going to look like a different team.

 

There's a lot of ifs and scenarios there.:wink: But I'll try to answer your questions .
1. Yes, they'll stick with JJ. The only way J. Lee sees the field is if JJ is hurt. If the defense is up to previous LSU standards then Miles will hand it off to Ridley, Ford and Murphy and play old school, Bo Schembechler, Big Ten, grind it out football.

2. No, I don't think LSU will not make it to Atlanta with JJ having a year like he had last year. He'll have to make plays with his arm and legs in crucial situations to win games for the Tigers and I'm just not confident he has shown he can do that consistently.

3. Not all the problems, no. The offensive line last year was one of the worst in LSU history. And, I didn't think the defense was up to LSU standards. The D couldn't get off the field on third down. However, I do believe if LSU is to be successful then JJ must become the visible and vocal leader of the offense and on the team. He also has become more consistent in his play. LSU can't have multiple series' of three and out, and expect to be successful. I hope I'm wrong but I think he has to be a playmaker for LSU to have great success.

I sure hope some of your scenarios play out because a dominant running game and stingy defense definitely will take the honus off of Jefferson. That scenario worked perfectly for rookie QB Greg McElroy and Bama last year. Having the Heisman Trophy winner in Mark Ingram plus a smothering defense took some of the pressure to make plays off of McElroy. It's also been the MO LSU used to win its last two titles.

I'm a big believer in the old adage that defense wins championships. Even though I expect LSU's defense to be better, I don't think it has the make up of the relentless pressure defenses of old under Saban and Pellini. It's not exactly the John Chavis style. In my opinion, he has more read, react and go make the play type of defense. You combined that with a big question mark on the offensive line and that's why I think JJ will have to be a playmaker. I hope I'm wrong and the defense is awesome and the running game and short passing game can carry the Tigers to Atlanta and beyond.

 

Great Response ! My Thoughts exactly!!!!

I’ve had just heard some buzz about ZL, I don’t agree throwing him into the fire, Not unless its absolutely necessary. I think JL has a great arm and good decision making – WHEN he is playing with confidence. He struggles with his confidence, and that obvious, from watching him in practice, vs. on the field in front of 92,000 screaming fans, most of which are calling for his head. Some of which Booing him with every incomplete pass he throws.

I’ll admit that him coming in for the injured JJ against Bama is not the best situation to test & grade his performance. But he didn’t help his case any with his performance against La Tech last year. So my thoughts on whether or not JL could survive in the SEC are still a bit skeptical if you know what I mean.

J. Lee

Vs Bama

4/10 44yds 40% 2 sacks, 1 int

Vs La Tech

7/22 105yds 31% 1 sack 1 td 0int

 

Another Great Response. I agree, three & outs killed us last season. We lost the field postion game, the T.O.P game, and left our defensive on the field WAY too much. Which is why our D was dominated at times between the 20's.

JJ is the guy, and will be the guy. He needs to make more big plays this season and I think he will. I agree on the O-Line situation. If we can get the push, establish the run game, get the chains moving, it will help keep the defense honest, and with the speed at WR, leaves it open for JJ to take his Pick of who he wants to hook up with down field. Also, if the O-Line can hold just 1 to 2 seconds longer, we have the opportunity to open up more crossing routes over the middle with RS in the slot and we can be extremely dangerous offensively.

Agan guys, I am extremely excited. But Regardless, of where my expectations are, I dont expect anybody to feel the same, and I understand why.

 

JJ HAS to improve. Those thinking that an improved run game alone will be enough are dreaming. A QB has to be able to make some plays. McElroy was a young kid last year, but he made plays in every game I saw of Alabama. At times he looked lost, but he made enough plays where teams couldn't key on the running game as much. The running game can be improved, but if you can't throw the ball, the defense will load up on the run and you won't be able to consistently run.

Make no mistake, you can't hide your QB in the SEC and win a championship. JJ has to take that next step for us to get to Atlanta.

 

I agree JJ has to improve & I think he will. He could throw the ball last year (On the roll out).

But I disagree with "thinking that an improved run game alone will be enough are dreaming." Our Passing game from last season, plus an improved running game, with a stronger defense that can create thier own points could be more than enough to take us to Atlanta

BUT - I get what you are saying.

 

true, but even last year he was limited by the rest of the offense.

you follow this with....

bama had a line that overacheived last year and mark freaking ingram. you can't in good conscience say that JJ couldn't have performed better with those pieces.

sure mcelroy made some plays but he's nobody special. JJ made some plays too.

the difference btwn LSU and bama's off. last yr was the OL and running game.

 

Exactly. McElroy threw a whole 10 passes during the BCS title game. That's one hell of a running game to only have to throw 10 times against Texas. I remember the Bama game last year and McElroy missed a bunch of throws. Put him behind our line last year and it gets ugly quick.

 

haha it would not be a problem even if you didn't read it all... i just enjoy posting insightful thoughts into LSU football when i'm just getting to the point of drunkenness where all the words and thoughts start to blur together.... it makes it feel as if it's football season in a way. :redface:
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