Two QBs better than one for Tigers

Les Miles might have the two-quarterback system figured out.

Miles mixed starter Jarrett Lee and backup Andrew Hatch during possessions to give the South Carolina defense different looks in the Tigers’ 24-17 victory Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium. Lee played the majority of the snaps, but Hatch was on the field for all three of the Tigers’ touchdowns.

“Hatch really manages the game well and is able to do some things with his feet and arm,” Miles said. “Jarrett seems to always make the big throws when we need them. It worked out well for us tonight.”

Lee, a redshirt freshman, didn’t take over the starting job until three games ago against Mississippi State. He is the better passer of the two, while Hatch, a transfer from Harvard, is the better runner. Hatch came into the game with 115 yards on 24 carries.

Saturday, Lee was 16-for-26 passing for 189 yards, and Hatch was 2-of-3 for 10 yards and one score.

It took great efforts from both to lead LSU’s comeback from a 17-10 halftime deficit. Lee had 17- and 13-yard completions to convert third downs on the game-tying drive. Once the Tigers got inside the 10-yard line, Lee took over, and he threw a 7-yard scoring pass to Richard Dickson with 44 seconds remaining in the third quarter. It was Lee’s first touchdown pass — and the second of his career — since the first quarter of LSU’s season-opening win over Appalachian State.

“It felt really good to get back out there and contribute,” Hatch said. “It was a great team win for us. We got some things going offensively, and for me personally, it was awesome to be out there with the guys and competing.

“On the touchdown, all I had to do was get it out there because Dickson was so wide open.”

After not playing against Mississippi State two weeks ago because of a concussion, Hatch had a limited role against Florida last week in a 51-21 loss. But he expected to see more action Saturday.

“We both prepared all week to both play,” Hatch said. “I was expecting it a little bit, and I was ready to go when I got a chance.”

Hatch was also in the game on two short rushing touchdowns by Charles Scott. On the game-winning drive, Hatch played three of 11 snaps, including Scott’s 2-yard touchdown.

“I think it benefited the team to have both of us in there,” Lee said. “We bring different things to the table, so it will be hard for defenses to prepare for both of us. We tried to take what the defenses were giving us, and it worked out pretty well.”

One person who believes LSU has the two-quarterback system down pat is Steve Spurrier.

“I guess they feel confident that they are both capable,” Spurrier said. “Talent-wise, they are pretty close to even. They did it last year and won the national championship, so they are confident they can do it.”