LSU junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson put on a less-than-stellar performance against Vanderbilt on Saturday, but LSU coach Les Miles said he is committed to giving Jefferson the reins for at least a little longer.
Jefferson finished 8-for-20 for 96 yards and one interception, as LSU scored all three of its touchdowns by way of the running game.
Junior Jarrett Lee entered the game on the final two series against Vanderbilt and attempted one pass, a 16-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Rueben Randle.
“I have no problem putting [Lee] in the game, and I look forward to those opportunities,” Miles said. “It is a game feel and not something that we are envisioning at this point. He is a very strong consideration, but we want to see if we can get Jordan on track. I enjoy [Jefferson], and I enjoy his leadership.”
Miles said the goal is to get Jefferson to play more aggressively, including running the option.
“I just want [Jefferson] to play and have some fun,” Miles said. “He does have the ability to run the option. It gives him the opportunity to play aggressively.”
True freshman running back Alfred Blue turned heads in his debut for LSU, accumulating five carries for 23 yards and a six-yard touchdown run.
Blue got more carries than redshirt freshman Michael Ford, who ran the ball three times for 16 yards.
“I’m not ready to say anybody has passed Michael Ford,” Miles said. “In fact, he played well in that game, and we’ve enjoyed how he’s come. It’s just that certain calls may favor Blue.”
On the defensive side, junior linebacker Ryan Baker returned to the field Saturday after missing the past month with a broken jaw. He recorded six tackles and a sack against Vanderbilt.
“You realize what veteran means because he just understands instinctively where he is supposed to be,” Miles said. “Not that Baker played perfect, but he stepped onto the field with real advantages on the defense. With Stefoin Francois, Kelvin Sheppard and him, that’s a pretty good linebacking crew.”
Miles said senior running back Richard Murphy is “a little nicked,” and junior tight end Deangelo Peterson may not play against Mississippi State.
“I think [Murphy] will be with us,” Miles said. “I know [Peterson] is doing much better. I don’t know the likelihood he’ll be with us Saturday.”
 
 
 
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