Joseph Schiefelbein for Nov. 28

• By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Nov 28, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Today, we’ll find out how much quarterback Jordan Jefferson has learned since coming to LSU’s campus in June.

The guy who had just committed to LSU and was in the process of leading Destrehan High to the Class 5A state title at this point a year ago, the true freshman who turned 18 in August, the reserve who completed his first collegiate pass Nov. 15 is going to be counted on to salvage some respect to a slumping football season.

When LSU (7-4) takes on Arkansas (4-7) at 1:30 p.m. today in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark., the defending national champions will be trying to stem a string of three straight Southeastern Conference losses and secure a decent bowl.

“I think he understands,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “I think he’s a pretty calm competitor. I think he understands what it means to take snaps at quarterback. I kind of look forward to seeing him play.”

This wasn’t the plan a month ago. Back then, LSU wanted to get a medical redshirt for Jefferson.

Here’s how the dominoes fell. Ryan Perrilloux, the victor in the SEC Championship Game, got booted from the team in the spring. Sophomore Andrew Hatch, who started the first three games, suffered a leg injury in October. And redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee has an ankle injury after getting flattened by a defender Saturday.

We’re told Hatch, who dressed for the first time Saturday, and Lee might be available if needed. And supposedly, walk-on T.C. McCartney, a redshirt freshman who shares his No. 17 with two other players, led a sweet two-minute drill in practice the other day.

Keep in mind, Jefferson likes to run — in fact, looks to run and has, according to LSU, a time of 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash — and, thus, will be exposed to hits. Uh-oh.

LSU last started a true freshman at quarterback in 1995 (Herb Tyler) and last had a true freshman start an SEC game in 1992 (Jamie Howard).

For advice, he can turn to Hatch, who started the season opener with Appalachian State, and Lee, who started the Mississippi State game. Both won their first starts.

“I think it may help Jordan to play on the road, because he’s always so excited when he first comes in,” left tackle Ciron Black said.

What’s good is, Jordan Jefferson is 21-0 as a starter.

That’s at Destrehan, though. Schoolboy glory means little today.