Typically, a quarterback’s job is to take a snap under center, drop back five to seven steps and hit an open receiver after going through his progressions.
But with the evolving game of football, quarterbacks are now asked to more outside the pocket and having a dual-threat quarterback is a huge commodity.
Insert LSU’s Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson is a senior that has had a big hand in LSU defeating the Crimson Tide in the last two seasons. Jefferson has big time arm, but his biggest threat is his running and his ability to escape trouble. When the play breaks down, Jefferson can improvise and make plays with his legs. At 6’5, 223 pounds, Jefferson is a load to bring down.
“We’re going to be challenged by not only his ability to throw the ball and make plays down the field, but also he can beat you with his ability to run the ball,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said.
It will take the entire Tide defense to contain Jefferson, but linebacker Courtney Upshaw will have a big hand in containing Jefferson. Upshaw is a 6’2, 265 pound linebacker that the Tide use in multiple spots on the defense, something as a linebacker and others as a defensive end.
“He’s a very effective pass rushing threat,” Jefferson said. “He does a great job of getting to the quarterback so we will be paying attention to him and making sure we get our hands on him. He’s a big strong guy and he really knows how to get to the quarterback.”
Upshaw said Jefferson is a game changer for the Tigers.
“He can make the right reads and he gets the ball to his receiver and running backs. He’s a tough competitor and he leads the offense well when he’s in the game.”
In the first meeting, it was Jefferson’s playmaking ability that helped make the difference for LSU. When Alabama had everything covered, Jefferson would break away for a timely first down to keep LSU drives alive. Upshaw said the team has studied Jefferson and knows what they need to do.
“We have to go out and contain him and get pressure on him,” Upshaw said. “We have to get to him and wrap him up.”
