Jefferson handling pressure as LSU starting quarterback

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLINGLSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson breaks away on his 48-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter as Arkansas' Alfred Davis pursues.

Related Stories

• EAST: LSU-Bama rematch has to happen

LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson enjoyed his most significant playing time in the Tigers’ 41-17 victory against Arkansas on Friday since he helped lead the way in a 41-24 victory against Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl last season.

Jefferson, making his third consecutive start since replacing Jarrett Lee as the No. 1-ranked Tigers’ top quarterback, participated in 70 snaps. He passed for a season-high 208 yards and a touchdown and ran for 53 yards and a touchdown as he accumulated more yards than the No. 3-ranked Razorbacks (261-254), who led the Southeastern Conference in total offense (463 yards per game).

The Tigers fell behind 14-0 midway through the second quarter as Jefferson and the offense sputtered, but they got on track with a 14-play, 77-yard touchdown drive that triggered a 41-3 onslaught the rest of the way.

“He was handling the duress pretty comfortably,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “They got to him early, and we needed to make some adjustments in our protections. Beyond that we really felt he had settled in and was really playing well.”

Jefferson has been off limits to local reporters for the last two months, but ESPN aired a brief on-the-field, postgame interview after Friday’s game, the second such interview he has done, the other coming after the win at Alabama on Nov. 5.

“Football is all about patience,” Jefferson said. “We had to be patient. ￉ It was a great victory for us. It’s finally starting to unfold for us.”

After being suspended for the first four games in the wake of his arrest in connection with a bar fight, Jefferson, a senior from Destrehan, has gradually reclaimed the starting position that was unquestionably his before the arrest.

He played just seven snaps in his debut against Kentucky on Oct. 1 and didn’t throw a pass, but gradually assumed a bigger role in relief of Lee leading up to the showdown against the No. 2 Crimson Tide. Lee threw two interceptions in that game and was relieved by Jefferson for good early in the third quarter. Jefferson went on to help the Tigers grind out a 9-6 overtime victory.

Jefferson has started all three games since, and Lee was relegated to mop-up duty against Western Kentucky on Nov. 12 and against the Razorbacks on Friday.

“His leadership, his want for his team and how he plays gives us the opportunity (to win),” Miles said of Jefferson. “When the quarterback is under duress, he is that guy. He handles that well.”

One situation that Jefferson didn’t handle well came on the first possession of the third quarter as LSU was trying to add to a 21-14 lead.

He had just moved the Tigers into scoring range with one of his more skillful plays of the game. Jefferson rolled right, keeping the pass rush at bay, and patiently waited for Rueben Randle to get free, then flipped the ball to Randle for a 38-yard gain to Arkansas 17.

On the next play, Jefferson rolled right again, but this time he tried to force the ball to tight end Mitch Joseph, who was bracketed by two defenders. Tramain Thomas intercepted for the Razorbacks, who drove to a field goal to get within four points.

“He got a little ambitious,” Miles said. “He made that play on a scramble and threw that deep ball and got us down in there before the game was out of hand. He ran a little (bootleg), and he threw it in there a little bit. He was making plays throughout the day but was a little ambitious there.”

The interception was the first thrown this season by Jefferson, who has thrown 70 passes. He has completed 64.3 percent of his passes, two points higher than Lee’s completion percentage. Lee has 14 touchdown passes compared to five for Jefferson. Lee’s passer rating is 108.8, and Lee’s is 81.8.

Jefferson is the Tigers’ fourth-leading rusher, having gained 253 yards (an average of 4.6) and scored three touchdowns on 55 attempts. His 48-yard touchdown run Friday helped cement undefeated LSU’s 12th victory this season.

LSU’s record is 23-7 in games Jefferson has started in his career, the best for any active quarterback in the SEC. The Tigers will play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday in the Georgia Dome. A victory would assure the Tigers of going to New Orleans to play in the BCS Championship Game Jan. 9.

So Jefferson has a chance to help the Tigers win an SEC Championship and possibly a BCS Championship. He regained the starting position in the slugfest at Alabama, which enabled the Tigers to strengthen their hold on the No. 1 spot in the country, which they had attained in his absence.

“I like playing competitive games that are going to keep everyone on their toes,” Jefferson was quoted as saying in a article in LSU’s game program for the Arkansas game. “You never know what is going to happen.”

Jefferson’s senior season has been proof of that. He has become the all-time leading rusher among LSU quarterbacks, and he has a chance to become the first Tigers quarterback to start four bowl games.

“A lot of great quarterbacks come through here,” Jefferson said in the LSU program article, “and to have the opportunity to be in the record books is really something special and something I strived to get.”

Comments

1) Comment by KB - 29/11/2011

Well said LoboBR! I agree 100%!

2) Comment by LoboBR - 28/11/2011

Yeah, we are #1. Yeah, we beat Bama.. Yeah, this team has played by far the toughest schedule of any school. But, a great many of you seem to have forgotten which player greatly helped us to this point. Remember, it takes a team to win those games, not just one person. Yet, it disgusts me how, just like Miles, you have thrown Jarrett Lee under the bus as if he had no part in helping this team achieve the status they are at right now. And you call yourselves Tiger fans. My beef has nothing to do with what debacle occurred before the season began, It's just plain obvious Miles and yourselves completely have no respect for Lee and all his efforts that helped get this team to where it's at. To throw interceptions is going to happen to any quarterback. But 2 in a row doesn't give justification to turn our backs on this player like Miles has. Now, just like any LSU fan, I would like very much to see the Tigers win the BCS. But, don't cry when Bama, if that is who we play, beats the Hell out of them. Jefferson plain and simple doesn't have what it takes to guide this team to a victory against Bama. Many of you complain by saying Lee couldn't get the TD for us. Well, show me where Jefferson did any better. Remember both teams could only score field goals. They will be coming with a vengeance that Jefferson won't be able to handle. Yeah, Jefferson may have better running abilities but I'd much rather have Lee throwing than Jefferson.

3) Comment by mh1949 - 28/11/2011

Everyone may as well face it. Regardless how bad Jefferson may do or what mistakes he may make he will always be God in Miles' eyes. Jefferson's family must be some MAJOR contributors to LSU and the athletic program. You have never heard nor will you ever hear any praise from Mile's mouth for Lee. We can probably await a statue of Jefferson to be erected at LSU in the not so far future.

4) Comment by coppet - 28/11/2011

I don't buy the "Lee's been mistreated" threads here. The coaches went with the best man for the job at the time and in the situation. That's what they're paid to do; that's what we expect then to do. Now, when the football banquet rolls around, I would throw my vote for MVP to J Lee. Because, given the situation that developed, without him the team would NOT be undefeated and finishing the season in the Title Game. Eliminate any other single player on the team and see if you can say the same thing. Jarret Lee is LSU's most valuable player this season.

5) Comment by Turiddu - 28/11/2011

Sidwit is correct. Jefferson is Miles' pet. This whole situation has lowered my view of Miles and I understand the frustration Lee must feel. A top rated QB sits the bench. There is NO "dual QB system" at LSU...only Jefferson, who sits in the pocket too long or runs too quickly, only looks for one receiver and can't hit his receiver in stride. Oh, he's also a leader who kicks a man in the face when he is down...someone Miles thinks we should all immulate....Do you want to have your kids follow him?

6) Comment by KB - 28/11/2011

Well said Whatchange! Lee has not been treated fairly and Jefferson has and always will be Miles' golden boy! Jefferson is doing a good job and I hope he continues for the last two games, but I am disappointed that Miles has pulled Lee completely out of the games! It's simply not fair since we wouldn't be where we are if it hadn't been for Lee stepping up when Jefferson was suspended! I hate to feel this way, but I can't help but laugh when Jefferson makes his mistakes! Lee will always be the no. 1 starting QB in my eyes! GEAUX TIGERS!

7) Comment by Whatchange - 28/11/2011

This whole bar fight thing is over, with exception to the civil suits, the best thing to do on the issue is to let sleeping dogs lie, Miles isn't going to ever look at it again, so let it go. As for the whole Jordan Jefferson, Jarret Lee situation, my opinion, Miles handed Lee the short end of the stick just as The Advocate has. Jefferson, pulled his stunt and was kicked off the team, Lee stepped up and won every game he played in and won them decisively despite the fact "Nobody" though he could. Jefferson returned, and Miles slowly started backing Lee out, Lee never had a chance, Lee never had the backing of Miles, the coaching staff, his team mates, or the press like Jefferson has. Jefferson has made some very good plays just as Lee has, Lee has made mistakes just as Jefferson has, Lee threw two interception to Jefferson's one, Jefferson scored two(2) points for the opposing team and Lee none, this list could go on and on, bottom line is, Jefferson is allowed to make mistakes and Lee isn't. Both quarter backs have performed well, problem is, Lee never had the support of Miles, the coaching staff, his team mates, or The Advocate/press. I just believe Lee deserves more than what Miles, the coaching staff, his team mates, and The Advocate/press has given him. After all, LSU is where it is due mainly to Lee. Anyway, this whole thing will be over in what, two(2) more games, then we can look forward to a whole new season next year, like it or not Jefferson is our quarterback and we need to respect that decision. As for the comment by TRAVIS SPRADLING / The Advocate about Lee handing "Mop Up Duty" he has handle the mop very well considering Miles and Jefferson made the whole mess in the first place.

8) Comment by ABayouBoy - 28/11/2011

Jefferson's ability to adapt quickly to a situation seems to have improved in the last several games. I also note that Lee is also a quick study and excellent passer. He just got hammered in the game against "Bama". This brutal pass rush may have been responsible for the interceptions. I hope that Miles will manage to come up with a dual quarterback offensive strategy that will allow Lee more playing time, while giving Jefferson a rest, and at the same time keeping the opposing defense off balance. GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!

9) Comment by Sidwit - 27/11/2011

What bothers me about this whole situation is that Miles treats his QB's differently just as the press does. This article reads like a paid advertisement. Jefferson has been Miles' choice to start for as long as i can remember. Jefferson screwed up and has been unapologetic, Lee stepped in and led the team to an undefeated run. He ranked up there with the SEC leaders. Jefferson comes back after the charges are reduced(it's strange how 30 LSU players couldn't identify the guy stomping the dude on the ground). And Miles does his best to get him back in the starting position. lee falters in the Alabama game and Miles jerks him. Jefferson starts two games with patsies and starts against Arkansas. If Lee played like Jefferson, Miles would have pulled him. Double standard yes it is but Miles is the coach. in my opinion Miles has condoned criminal behavior and screwed Jarret Lee. I hope LSU wins out but I'm tired of the turn the other cheek attitude to the thugs on this team.

10) Comment by dymond28 - 27/11/2011

it seems Mark is really still living in the 60's people lol. Jordan continue to do what you do sweetie. Its apparent you havent let all the negative comments get to you and im proud of you for that. Les the same for you. You have not let all the nagative comments get to you either. Not that I have anything against Lee. I think you did a good job but you didnt do it alone just as Jeffeerson is not doing it alone, some people have forgotten about that. Its called TEAM work! we have to take care of business against Georgia guys and we can do this. Notice I said "we", im in your corner whom ever we have playing QB... Geaux Team!

11) Comment by Lawdog - 27/11/2011

@ Mark1960. I think that the dead horse is still being beaten here. If you are still holding on to the bar fight issue, that's your problem. Looks to me, if you are so concerned about the right thing being done, you would stop the persecution of the young man. He made a mistake. He has paid and will continue to pay a price for it. This is a special team and they (along with the fans) deserve to be united instead of divided. At some point, let it go. The world didn't come to an end because of a barfight. Get a life!!!!

12) Comment by omitchell - 27/11/2011

...another thing. Mark since this is Sun morning and you're ranting about confessions, public apology, and forgiveness; it'll be a good idea to show us biblical principles on how to confront such issue. Jefferson, Miles, and Lee have illustrated the principles to us. Now its time for us to learn the principles of love toward a fallen brother or Tiger family member. If Jordan's a family member, how would you treat them and welcome him back? Read and meditate on the principles of "the prodigal son" today.

13) Comment by localgal - 27/11/2011

Well said Believer. I hope mark1960 never makes a mistake in his life. We all do. Jarrett Lee is strictly a pocket passer. Both Alabama and Arkansas had tremendous pass rush ability. I agree with Miles giving Jefferson the majority of the playing time. He gives us run capability and also proved in the Arkansas game, in spite of the rough start, that he can get away from the rush and make things happen. Miles kept him in the game and gave him a chance, just like he did with Lee after he threw the first interception against Alabama. Jefferson settled down, Lee didn't. 2 years ago, that would not have happened because he didn't have the skills and experience he has now. He has come a long way. While we're at it, why is it, mark1960, that you are not mentioning Ware, Mathieu and Simon while you're ripping Jefferson a new one? They were caught with illegal drugs in their systems and I think should have been benched for the season. What they did was every bit as serious. I don't see you telling them to apologize for what they did.

14) Comment by Believer - 27/11/2011

Well, mark1960... I see you have taken the opportunity to post verbatim the same garbage on this thread as well as another... Let it go. Jefferson owes you or anyone else nothing. Based on your obvious and unfounded disdain for Jordan Jefferson, it can be concluded that this kid, this young man is more man and has more integrity and character than you. You should be ashamed at the very thought of your prejudiced suggestion!

15) Comment by omitchell - 27/11/2011

Mr Jefferson doesn't owe us any apologies. If anything, we as fans, owe him some serious apologies. Yes, the kid has made mistakes, but we treat him as if he's an NFL player by throwing him under the bus during his single off the field incident. We're a bunch of hypocrits as if we haven't done anything wrong. The young man has exemplified character, integrity, and perseverance on and off the field. Mr Jefferson cannot publicly discuss his case at this time because of his ongoing criminal and civil litigation. However, he has shown his apologies already by the way he's conducted himself since the incident. In the meantime, please respect Coach Miles' decision to support this young man and pray for the young man during this time as he leads us to the BCS Championship.

16) Comment by mark1960 - 27/11/2011

Jordan Jefferson needs to come clean and make a public heartfelt apology for his bad criminal behavior back in August 2011. He never has done it. He can NOT really move forward with his public life until he does that and ask for forgiveness from the LSU community. It was dead wrong what he & others did. Just forgetting about it and Not addressing his past mistakes without asking for forgiveness from Tiger Nation is very bad Public Relations on his part. It also hurts his good reputation in the short & long run. The public deserves better than that from a veteran senior QB on the LSU football team. Mr. Jordan Jefferson - Time to come clean and give a public APOLOGY !!! A senior should be mature enough to know that to really heal from the wounds of the past, you first have to say “ I am sorry ”. Be a man and do the right thing.