Frustration Mounts

"It will only be a championship season, and that’s the only point and direction of this program. That’s where we’re headed."

-Les Miles

For Miles to deliver a championship in 2010, the offense must play better, particularly, Jordan Jefferson.  Among Tiger fans (and probably Tiger coaches) there is a tremendous amount of frustration with the offense.  LSU is currently ranked 115^th out of 120 teams in passing offense.  Jefferson is ranked 113^th in the country and dead last in the SEC in passing efficiency.  It appears that for some reason he has regressed from last season.  This is even more troubling when you consider the improvement by the offensive line and the running game.  Herb Tyler, where have you gone?

It seems clear that Jefferson is Miles’ guy.  Otherwise we would have seen Lee play a few meaningful snaps.  Miles believes that Jefferson gives LSU the best chance to win.  Having said that, it is also clear that the staff has VERY LITTLE faith in Jefferson.  The play calling is not fancy or diverse.  LSU must ‘out execute’ other teams because clearly they will not ‘out scheme’ any one.  Think about it, when was the last time you said, wow, that was a really great play call by LSU?

Miles’ plays Jefferson because unlike Lee, Jefferson is generally good at protecting the ball.  He had only 7 INT’s last season but is now on pace to finish this season with 12.  I assume Miles is willing to accept Jefferson’s shortcomings as long as he doesn’t kill LSU with turnovers.  Jefferson was sacked 37 times last season.  This year he is on pace for 12.  Again, Jefferson does not give up ‘negative’ plays.  I am not trying to justify Miles’ thought process, rather I am trying to explore the most likely scenario for why Lee remains firmly rooted to the bench.

The boos came cascading down last night as Jefferson’s play got worse as the game went along.  After starting 6 for 7, Jefferson went 4 for 15 finishing the game at 10 for 22 for 75 yards and 2 INT’s.  He still stares down receivers and can be terribly inaccurate. 

Last season, many of the talking heads on the local radio and in the nation media asked the question, “What is LSU’s identity?”  I think after four games that question has been answered in 2010.  LSU is going to play great defense, be excellent in special teams play and do just enough on offense to win the game.  The Tigers are going to run the ball and pass just enough to get by.  I believe the staff wants to shorten the game and reduce the number of drives by each team to cover up the offensive deficiencies.

The ultimate question then becomes, can LSU win with this philosophy?  More specifically, can LSU overtake Alabama and Florida in search of an SEC Title?  LSU has a national title worthy defense and special teams the envy of most teams in America.  But the offense may be the worst LSU has produced in the last 50 years.  In the age of spread offenses and with all the supposed talent on this team, the pathetic output of the offense is unacceptable.  I’m not saying Lee will be any better, but until he is given a chance, expect the booing to increase with every poor throw and missed wide receiver.