http://myespn.go.com/blogs/ncfnation/0-2-491/LSU-s-Lee-earns-his-shot.html
Prior to the season, conventional wisdom was that LSU might have to win in spite of its quarterbacks.
It’s difficult to imagine that’s true now that the Tigers have a big leg up in the Western Division race thanks largely to the way one of their quarterbacks played Saturday night in the 26-21 road win at Auburn.
Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee was unflappable. He didn’t play well in the first half and threw a horrible interception that was returned for a touchdown but he came back in the second half after Andrew Hatch took a blow to the head and rallied LSU to the first win by a visiting team in this series since 1999.
Lee finished with 182 yards. He threw two touchdowns, including the game-winner, and he didn’t throw any more picks after the one in the first half. Lee played aggressively, while still keeping his poise.
For a neophyte on that kind of stage for the first time, he didn’t look scared. He looked like he belonged. He looked like a leader.
It also looks like he’ll be the Tigers’ starter this Saturday when they take on Mississippi State at Tiger Stadium. LSU coach Les Miles didn’t come all the way out and say it, but Lee earned his chance to start after staring down the Auburn defense last week in the second half.
“Obviously football is merit-based, and (Lee) had a hell of a game,” Miles said Sunday.
The Tigers might hold Hatch out today, but Miles expects him to be back at practice on Tuesday. Hatch has started the first three games. Regardless of who starts, the Tigers plan to keep their two-quarterback rotation for the time being.
ESPN.com
9/22/08
Magnolia Tribune
