Through four games, senior quarterback Jarrett Lee has been a stabilizing force for an LSU team that has dealt with plenty of off-the-field negativity.
Lee has played through the distractions and led the No. 1 Tigers to a 4-0 record against some of the nation’s top teams.
LSU, already in the national championship discussion, is relatively familiar with the spotlight, having played in and won the title in 2003 and 2007.
In 2007, Lee redshirted as a freshman, watching current Green Bay Packers and former LSU quarterback Matt Flynn lead the Tigers to a 38-24 victory against Ohio State.
Flynn was efficient, completing 19-of-27 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns. In the season, Flynn completed 202-of-359 pass attempts, including 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Four years before Flynn led LSU to a BCS championship, former LSU quarterback Matt Mauck led the Tigers to a 13-1 record, culminating in 21-14 victory over Oklahoma in the national championship game in 2003. Mauck completed 229-of-358 passes on the season, including 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Through four games this season, Lee’s stat lines have been similarly productive and nearly mistake free. He has completed 56-of-87 passes, including six touchdowns and one interception.
Lee’s average of 156 passing yards per game may appear modest, but they aren’t unlike Mauck and Flynn’s.
In leading their respective teams to national championships, Mauck and Flynn were consistent, minimized mistakes and got the ball into the playmaker’s hands.
Lee said he’s aware of the comparison and said he talks with Flynn regularly.
“Matt was a smart quarterback and took care of the football,” Lee said. “You see where that got him. He’s been confidence.”
Ford said Lee has shown that he can keep the team together and focused throughout the game, regardless of the score.
Lee’s teammates also recognize the comparison to Flynn’s 2007 season and how he managed the game.
“Jarrett has done a great job getting the ball to [the playmakers] just like Matt did,” senior offensive guard Will Blackwell said. “He’s very poised and composed in the