I was just reading that. It's from Sports Illustrated, in an article posted there today: LSU quarterbacks Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee will face their first true tests in as hostile an atmosphere imaginable. The two have split time fairly evenly so far (Hatch has 31 pass attempts, Lee 28) and have not been required to do much. "I'm glad they both got to play significant time in our first two games," said coach Les Miles. "Both will play significant time this weekend at Auburn." http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/09/17/sec.showdowns/
The LSU/Auburn preview by ESPN/Scouts, Inc. put it like this: LSU's offensive game plan should be relatively easy to predict. The most important aspect will be limiting QB Andrew Hatch's responsibility by showing a strong dedication to the ground attack. ... When LSU does look to throw the ball, it will do so in a mostly conservative manner. Hatch does not have a strong arm -- his longest completion in two games of action is just 20 yards -- so look for a lot of short-to-intermediate routes by the underrated wide receiver tandem of Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd. LSU does not want to put Hatch at risk of taking sacks and throwing the ball up for grabs when under duress, so there are two big keys to the success of the LSU pass attack: Hatch must do a great job of recognizing the blitz and locating hot reads, and LaFell and Byrd must use their quickness to beat physical coverage from Auburn CBs Jerraud Powers and Aairon Savage. Finally, don't be surprised to see sophomore QB Jarrett Lee in the game from time to time. He is not as consistent or as mature as Hatch, but Lee's strong arm allows LSU to maximize the speed of LaFell and Byrd on the perimeter.
The funny thing about this is we have absolutely nothing to gauge what the rotation is gonna be game wise. Both guys played in our first two games cause they could. Who knows what would have happened if the games were close. We sure can't go by coaches quotes, or word on the street. Even though I've heard a bunch the last two days that JJ will play a lot this week, doesn't really mean anything cause we don't know how the game will go. Hell, Tubby said on the radio interview that he was gonna punt the ball to Holiday. I would call him a fool if he did, I really don't think it will happen on purpose. I guess these boards are for us to speculate though, so carry on.
Savage is hurt and won't be playing. Not sure why Scouts, Inc. can't do a better job than this. This article needs to be dismissed.
I do not know who is spreading around the JJ will be playing more than Lee or at all for that matter but that is very unlikely. Maybe they mean he will have some designed runs for him like RP, IDK. Sounds like the same ole everyone wants the backup to get a chance story. No way Miles will just throw in JJ when he has played a handful of snaps, still trying to grasp the playbook which Crowton would have to dumb down the offense if that was the case, in the biggest game of the year. Miles is not known for letting his opponets know what to expect in terms of who is going to get the reps. By saying that all 2 or 3 QBs will get significant PT makes Auburn prepare for each if they choose to. So I would not read into any quotes from this week. One quote mentioned every other week from the beginning of summer that I will put my money on is that the guy who can manage the game and make the fewest mistakes will get the reps.
This is exactly what was meant, and that is all. I don't think anyone expects him to be used like Pryor or anything. Again though, just watercooler talk right now.
I agree the RBs have a chance to be the best ever at LSU. Scott is like Cecil "The Diesel" but with a good head on his shoulders. Murphy may be as talented as Reggie Bush and Keiland is much more talented than the last forgotton man (Justin Vincent). When you add Holliday and a big time blocking FB, the potential is unlimited. Miles is an offensive line guy and has now had 4 years with these guys. Only losing one starter from last year off a team that ran the ball consistently all year against big time programs. This group definitely has the potential to be the best ever at LSU. We've had such great defenses recently (and in the more distant past) so that would be difficult to rank. The defensive line may have more overall 2-deep talent than any other LSU team. Back to the original topic, I agree that Hatch should stay in the game if he's playing well. If we have trouble moving the chains after the 1st 2-3 series, then give Lee a chance and see how he responds.
