WKU defense prepares for LSU quarterbacks Jefferson, Lee

Brad Stephens

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.