• By RANDY ROSETTA
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Nov 6, 2008 - Page: 1C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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With the speed of Southeastern Conference defenses already causing him plenty of heartache, you’d think the last thing LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee needs is a faster pace.

That might be what the 19-year-old redshirt freshman needs to become consistent as the season winds down.

Lee and the 15th-ranked Tigers (6-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) tangle with No. 1 Alabama (9-0, 5-0) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Tiger Stadium (CBS).

For LSU to have a realistic chance against the Crimson Tide, the strong-armed, but erratic Lee will have to play much better than he has in the Tigers’ losses at Florida on Oct. 18 and to Georgia at home two weeks ago.

In those two games, Lee threw five interceptions and three of the picks were returned for touchdowns. He has thrown 10 interceptions total, with five going for scores.

Part of the problem is Lee is taking too long to make decisions against defenses with players faster than he has ever seen.

That potential land mine will be there this week against an Alabama defense that leads the SEC in rush defense, allowing only 65.6 yards a game.

The Tide will likely build their defensive plan around stopping the Tigers rushing attack, which averages 186.1 yards a game. That puts the onus on Lee to prove he can move the offense with his arm.

And while Alabama hasn’t blitzed as much this season as Nick Saban-coached teams normally do, Lee can bet he will see everything the Tide has to offer and from every imaginable angle.

The Tide’s ball-hawking defense has produced five defensive touchdowns this season.

“Alabama is physical and fast and they’re going to come after you,” Lee said. “The reads you’ve made against other teams, you have to make that much faster.”

What Lee does when that happens will be a major key for both teams Saturday.

Earlier this week LSU coach Les Miles compared Lee to a pitcher who is at his best when he gets the ball and quickly uncorks the next pitch. In rhythm, Lee is less likely to over think a play and the various reads he has to make.