BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU's overtime loss to top-ranked Alabama was still eating at Les Miles on Monday, and the coached expressed his regret in terms that many in a state known as the "sportsman's paradise" could understand.

"We let a big fish off the hook," Miles said at his weekly media luncheon. "We couldn't quite get the handle on it."

Reviewing game film only pounded home further how excruciatingly close LSU came last weekend to keeping alive its chances to get back into the Southeastern Conference title picture and possibly work its way into a BCS bowl bid.

The Tigers outgained the Crimson Tide and forced three turnovers. LSU rushed for more than 200 yards and even blocked a potential game-ending kick to force overtime. But, in the end, Alabama survived with a 27-21 victory.

"I asked the team to improve and they did," Miles said. "I asked the team to play with heart and intensity and they did. They played with great effort and showed passion. The score just didn't work out as we liked."

The defeat dropped the defending national champions to No. 19 in the polls and eliminated the Tigers from the Southeastern Conference title chase. For the first time in six seasons, LSU has three regular season losses. It's also the first time since Miles took over for the 2005 season that LSU has lost more than two games in an entire season, including bowl games.

With three games remaining on their schedule, starting Saturday against Troy, the Tigers must go about the task of improving their position in the SEC's bowl pecking order. Miles is not concerned about his team's mind-set heading down the stretch.

"The key in our (football) building is for everyone not to fix things in other peoples' area," Miles said. "Everyone needs to fix it in things he can control. I know these are quality guys. They are character guys who want to improve. There's a lot to play for."

Jarrett Lee threw four interceptions against Alabama to run his season total to 14. For the sixth time this season, a defender returned one of Lee's interceptions for a touchdown. LSU's overtime series ended on a Lee interception in the back of the end zone on a third-and-6 play.

Backup quarterback Andrew Hatch, who suffered a leg injury in the Georgia game, will miss his third straight contest this week. Increasingly, it appears true freshman Jordan Jefferson, who is now the No. 2 quarterback behind Lee, will get some playing time against Troy.

"Jarrett is a young guy you may need to get off the field," Miles said. "We can spell Jarrett and let Jordan Jefferson get some plays. We were better with both Hatch and Lee playing. Lee can be spelled for a few plays and let him clear his head."

Jefferson has played in three games this year, but he has run the ball three times and thrown only one pass. Miles feels that Jefferson is more prepared now for game action.

"Jordan is readier now than before," Miles said. "We will give him a cross-section of the offense. We'll let him do the things he does best. Jordan is going to stand back in there and throw it. When he pulls it down, he can run some and show his athletic ability."

Miles is certainly not ready to give up on Lee, who has completed 53 percent of his passes and thrown 13 touchdowns.

"I believe in (Lee)," Miles said. "He's one of two guys we have right now and the one with the most work. We have to develop him and believe in him."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)