LSU's Lee could get start against La. Tech

Although Jordan Jefferson has returned to practice this week, head coach Les Miles said he remains "a little gimped," keeping open the possibility that sophomore Jarrett Lee will start for the first time since late last season.

Jefferson was still limping earlier this week because of the lingering effects of his right ankle sprain during LSU's 24-15 loss at Alabama last Saturday

The loss dropped No. 9 LSU (7-2) out of contention for the Southeastern Conference title, and by extension, a national championship.

Still, the Tigers have an opportunity to finish the regular season 10-2 and go to a major bowl game. The mission to accomplish that starts this Saturday night when LSU hosts Louisiana Tech (3-6), a team coming off a hard-fought 45-35 loss to No. 6 Boise State.

At Alabama, Lee led the Tigers' last four offensive series, one covering 59 yards and ending with LSU's second touchdown.

However, LSU gained only 9 yards on 11 snaps in the fourth quarter.

LSU did not call passing plays often while Lee was in. He wound up 4-of-10 for 44 yards with one interception on LSU's final drive with the Tigers trailing by nine and unlikely to come back.

Lee started eight games as a redshirt freshman in 2008 and showed promise with 1,873 yards and 14 TD passes. Yet he is known more for his 16 interceptions, seven of which were returned for touchdowns.

Jefferson started the 2008 regular-season finale and the Chick-fil-A Bowl and has started every game this season. The 19-year-old former Destrehan star has 1,535 yards passing and 12 TDs with only four interceptions in 210 attempts.

Lee has been the backup, playing very little until late in LSU's 42-0 victory over Tulane, when Lee led a 98-yard drive.

"All season, I've been prepared," Lee said. "I've been in this system for a while now and know what the coaches want.

"Mentally - and it is tough - you've just got to be prepared, watch film and practice, make sure you know what's going on, know the game plan. ... That's part of being prepared when your time comes."

Lee has continued to throw as often as possible to LSU receivers, particularly Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver.

Like Lee, those two are from Texas, and both have been supportive.

"He's always had a great confidence ... and I think he's really learned a lot since last season," Toliver said. "We've been working with him all week, and he runs with the (first team) a lot anyway, so we have good chemistry with him.

"I think he's ready. He stepped in after Jordan got hurt and led us down the field for a touchdown."

Lee said he has "always been in sync with those guys. They're great players and great playmakers and the kind of guys you want to get the ball to."

If Lee starts, LSU's offense could look different.

Jefferson is more of a dual running and passing threat than Lee.

Lee has a quicker release and stronger arm.

Toliver said he knows Lee will get rid of the ball quickly and won't be looking to run.

"We might pass a little more," Tolliver said. "All he needs is a little protection, and he can definitely get the ball off."

It is unclear from the limited playing time Lee has seen whether he has overcome last year's problems.

"Obviously, in the back of your mind you don't want that kind of stuff to happen to you again. But you've got to wipe that out and just keep moving forward," Lee said.

If he starts, Lee said, "It will definitely be a different feel and be exciting to be out there with these guys. I want to go out there and play as hard as I can and make positive plays."