WKU defense prepares for LSU quarterbacks Jefferson, Lee
November 9, 2011
WKU will have to deal with two quarterbacks when it
plays Louisiana State on Saturday.
LSU Head Coach Les Miles told the Associated Press on
Tuesday that he expects Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson to share
snaps when his No. 1 Tigers host the Toppers.
Lee was the team’s starter for the first four games
of the year while Jefferson served a suspension.
The two spilt snaps after Jefferson returned from the
suspension, with Lee still handling the majority of the
offense.
But Miles turned to Jefferson last Saturday against
No. 2 Alabama as Lee struggled, completing just three passes and
throwing two interceptions.
Jefferson went 6-of-10 for 67 yards and ran 11 times
for 43 yards in LSU’s 9-6 win.
Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry said the Toppers
will be ready for both quarterbacks this Saturday, but that he
expects Jefferson’s role to resemble more of the pocket passing
style typically associated with Lee.
“I’m sure Jefferson will do a lot of the things that
Jarrett’s been doing in the past, just running the regular
offense,” Guidry said. “Before that, he’s been kind of the Wildcat
guy. He’s a very good athlete and he can throw the ball.”
This will be the third time Guidry has faced
Jefferson.
During his time as Head Coach at Louisiana’s Carencro
High School, Guidry went 1-1 against Jefferson’s Destrehan High
School.
Guidry said he would cater defensive calls Saturday
specifically to which quarterback was in the game.
“I’m going to call the defenses according to who’s in
so the kids don’t have to think who’s at quarterback and who’s
not,” he said. “The calls will dictate that because it’s too much
to think about.”
Senior outside linebacker Ben Duvall said LSU using
two quarterbacks “throws a changeup” to the Topper defense.
“One of them’s more of a runner, one of them’s more
of a passer,” he said. “We’re going to prepare for both.”
Depth key for Tigers
LSU has signed a Rivals.com Top-10 recruiting class
five out of the last six years.
The recruiting success has led to the Tigers having
one of college football’s deepest rosters.
Duvall said LSU’s ability to rotate quality players
on and off the field would be an obstacle for WKU to overcome
Saturday.
“They’re just as big as we are — just as fast most of
the time,” Duvall said. “It’s all about depth, most of the
time.
“They just have a little bit more depth. That’s
something we can overcome with hard work and preparation.”
Guidry said the Tigers’ depth reminded him of a game
against Miami during his days as a defensive assistant at McNeese
State.
The Hurricanes won that game 61-14 on Aug. 31, 2000,
featuring a roster loaded with future NFL stars.
Guidry said Miami went to veteran receivers Santana
Moss and Reggie Wayne early in that game, then let younger players
Andre Johnson, Clinton Portis and Jeremy Shockey get playing time
later on.
All five went on to productive NFL careers.
Guidry said WKU would see similar depth Saturday from
No. 1 LSU.
“They’ve got some kids we probably haven’t seen yet
that we’re going to see,” he said. “Their young guys can play…
We’re going to go in there and compete just like any other
team.”
Sumler done for the year
Head Coach Willie Taggart said Monday that freshman
running back Marquis Sumler fractured an ankle last week during
practice last week.
Taggart said Sumler’s injury would keep him out for
the rest of the year.
Sumler, a Rivals.com three star recruit coming out of
Pensacola, Fla., hasn’t appeared in a game this season for the
Toppers.
Taggart said the team had been planning to redshirt
the freshman before the injury occurred.