Blog ... Who Will Be LSU's Starting QB?

With Ryan Perrilloux departing unceremoniously during the spring practice sessions, the starting QB job is wide open with Junior Andrew Hatch (a transfer out of Harvard) and red-shirt freshman Jarrett Lee ready to claim the job.

Les Miles and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton clearly have made it a two horse race with a slight edge going to Hatch as the reason he transferred was because of Crowton. Lee possess better arm strength, mobility and excited fans with his accurate deep balls during the Spring game but Hatch has lined up under center against Tennessee in the SEC Championship game.

With a backfield featuring the talents of Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, Richard Murphy and the exciting Trindon Holliday plus a loaded receiving corps consisting of Demetrius Byrd (who caught the game-winning pass against Auburn), Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver, whomever lines up under center will have plenty of options to help take the heat off. Also helping is the fact that they will be protected by one of the most talented offensive lines in the country anchored by center Brett Helms, tackel Ciron Black and guard Herman Johnson.

Another factor aiding the new starting QB will be a schedule that opens with Appalachian St., Troy and North Texas all at home before the Tigers make the trip to Auburn to open SEC play. This gives either Hatch or Lee a chance to solidify their hold on the #1 spot before the brutal SEC schedule kicks into full swing. Both QB's will likely see action in the tune-up games and some have speculated talented incoming freshman Jordan Jefferson will challenge for the job (although I find this highly unlikely).

The departure of Ryan Perrilloux has caused a small drop in the national preseason polls and uncertainty at the most important position on this team has caused many to pick Auburn ahead of LSU to win the SEC West. But LSU didn't even win the SEC West when eventual #1 draft pick Jamarcus Russell was at the helm. All LSU needs is a solid passer who doesn't make mistakes and can be a leader on the field like recent National Championship quarterbacks Matt Mauk and Matt Flynn.

LSU's defense will also help take the pressure off of the offense and help them get the ball back in their hands as much as possible, making it an ideal situation for either Hatch or Lee to step up and take the reigns of a powerhouse program and make this another great season for the Tigers. The smart money is on Andrew Hatch to get the nod early and then Jarrett Lee to settle down and impress to grab the starting spot before SEC play begins. LSU doesn't need another uber talented QB like Jamarcus Russell or Ryan Perrilloux to be successful this season, they just need aother quarterback named Matt.

Questions or comments? E-mail me Lee DuPlechian