I think Lee did beyond what the coaching staff expected of him. The int and penalties are part of the game. It happens sometimes. I don't mind a QB getting a penalty or two when they are putting yardage up... 3/10 on the other hand, doesn't leave one much room for error. Lee getting redemption is the only bright spot I saw with that game.
I also thought at times, Lee's decision making was quite suspect. There was that one throw falling backwards where it should have been intercepted. There was the INT in the endzone, which takes 3 points off the board. He doesn't make that play, we are down 1, and we kick a FG to win rather than go through that mess. The delay of games were poor, but it's something that can be fixed. He needs the game experience of knowing how fast 40 seconds goes to fix it for next time. He showed great poise on that comeback drive. I certainly don't think JJ could have led that drive, and I'm a big JJ supporter. Like I said, I don't think JJ is done this year, and I think he has an edge in the running game. Lee might have been as lucky as Les, because that pass to Toliver was through 3 defenders...on a 4th and 14. I liked the way Lee had everyone lined up and ready to go after that play to take another 9 yards on another pass. The next play was the 1st down run, and that sequence forced Tennessee to call a timeout. Perhaps Lee with a no huddle offense is how we should go the rest of the way? The coaches can't screw anything up, the offense was in sync and was working well together. Maybe that's something we can build on.
Another vote here for the obvious.... No Lee yesterday, no win. Thanks for hanging tough these three years Jarrett. Clearly he has some things to work on and made some mistakes. But he is the best option we have at QB. As Ridley said before Lee played yesterday...every defense knows the LSU offense is one dimensional. That changes with Lee in the game. I hated the way the QB's were played though. Did JL really play 30 seconds at the end of the third quarter only to be yanked when the fourth started? So many stupid coaching decisions yesterday my mind is blown.
The ability to throw through traffic is one of Lee's strengths, and probably the reason he's been so interception-prone. I've seen him thread the needle or hit the receiver on a seem behind coverage many times. And the fact that he knows he can do that gives him the confidence to try throws that he probably should not. If he can reign it in a little bit, he'll be just fine. I guess it's what you call his "gunslinger" mentality.
I watched that play again, and it was a good pass, NOT THROUGH 3 defenders. Lee hit Toliver BEFORE the 3 defenders converged, Toliver was open and it was a safe pass IMO. By the time Toliver controlled the ball and turned upfield, he was in the middle of 3 Vols. I thought it was outstanding timing on Lee's part to hit him while he was open. Check the replay if you can.
I think the difference was the speed the ball arrived at the receiver's hands before the defenders got to Tolliver, and perhaps the quicker release and decision making when compared to JJ.
You my friend .. are just bias. 1) The intentional grounding cost 0 yards, just the loss of down. Goes down as a 13 yard sack. Not great, but not near as bad as you would like to think it is. Further, it was a technical error, as noted, he just didn't quite get it legal. 2) Illegal forward pass was inconsequential ... the pass was incomplete and would have resulted in a punt either way. 3) the delay of game penalty was also inconsequential, and had no effect on the outcome. The Holding Penalty on the part of the line in the 1st quarter that brought back Ridley's run had a much bigger effect than any of Lee's penalties. That holding penalty took away a first down that could have lead to six or at least 3, as it backed us up out of FG range. You can say what you like .. passing for 70% and 185 yards, just playing half time was pretty darn good in my book.
Classy young man, stuck it out through the BS of being benched and sitting behind JJ and the completely piss poor way Miles treated him. He deserves better than that. His post game interview made me really proud. He is a talented kid with great personal character and maturity. I hope he does well and has a great career.
