After his team had a week off, Les Miles met with the media on Monday for his weekly press conference luncheon to discuss LSU’s showdown with Texas A&M on Thanksgiving. Of course, as we approach the coaching carousel season, Miles was asked about the job at his alma mater, Michigan. The Wolverines could have an opening after the season, but Miles hasn’t thought about it.

“I have given little to no thought on any other jobs,” Miles said. “I certainly respect and love Michigan and wish them the very best.”

Miles has been connected to the Michigan job during the school’s last two coaching searches. The coach said that he doesn’t read newspapers to know what’s going on, clarifying that he was only referring to the sports page.

The coach also talked about the possibility of recruiting a junior college quarterback for next year. Over the weekend, former Clemson quarterback Chad Kelly was rumored as a potential LSU signee for this class. Miles put those rumors to bed, somewhat.

“I’m not ready to necessarily envision a junior college quarterback this minute,” Miles said, adding that the team looks at the best players possible, including quarterbacks, every year and that they are not “wildly motivated” to bring in a JUCO quarterback. He did say they are looking, though.

Here are some of the other highlights from Miles’ media session.

  • Miles brought up Odell Beckham Jr.’s spectacular catch from Sunday night, but said that Beckham and Jarvis Landry put on even greater shows in practice while they were at LSU. Miles also bragged on his former players that are doing well in their rookie NFL campaigns, including Zach Mettenberger, Alfred Blue and Jeremy Hill.
  • Vadal Alexander, who missed the game against Arkansas due to a hand injury, will be ready to play on Thursday. Ethan Pocic will start at center for Elliott Porter, while Evan Washington and Hoko Fanaika will be next up in the offensive line rotation. Porter’s status for a bowl game is still uncertain.
  • Miles said in his opening remarks he likes his quarterbacks, but that play at the position has to improve and the signal caller will have to make the 10 players around him better. He did not mention Anthony Jennings or Brandon Harris by name. He later said that both players are improving. Miles would not commit to Harris getting playing time against Texas A&M.
  • Miles spoke about the parity in the SEC, saying there is no tougher league and no tougher division than the SEC West. He thought it would change the paradigm if an East team won the SEC Championship. He said he could “easily” see two SEC teams making the playoffs.
  • Miles received the letter from a Louisiana official regarding walk-on player Luke Boyd. Miles said it would be tough for him to find a spot for him in the traveling party for Texas A&M, but that every player will make the trip to the bowl game.