Les Miles to Tom Cruise: 'I'd make a good bad guy'
Here are the highlights from LSU coach Les Miles’ weekly press conference on Monday. The Tigers are coming off a 35-28 win over the Gators and now finish up non-conference play this week against Western Kentucky.
Miles started off the press conference with a message for Tom Cruise, who was in attendance at Tigers Stadium on Saturday. Cruise will be starring in a sequel to the 2012 film “Jack Reacher.”
Les Miles with a message to Tom Cruise: "I'd be a good bad guy. One of those guys Jack Reacher beats up, you know what I mean?" #LSU
— Ben Love (@LAbenlove) October 19, 2015
Of course, Miles was asked about the game-winning fake field goal for a touchdown. Apparently, he’s got some aspiring “Mad Hatters” on his team.
Les Miles on the fake field goal: "I had six people calling for it before it even came out of my mouth." #LSU
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) October 19, 2015
Miles was very pleased with the way his team fought against Florida, especially when the Gators capitalized off a turnover to take an early lead. Miles said his team expected to play 60 minutes, and it did.
#LSU’s Les Miles: We fell behind 7-0 for first time this season. Responded with the next 21 points.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 19, 2015
Miles believes his team was lucky it didn’t have to overcome a couple more turnovers. For the game, LSU had 3 fumbles but only lost the one that put the Gators up 7-0 early.
We put the ball on the ground a couple of times. Fortunate to get them back. #LSU Les Miles
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) October 19, 2015
While he wasn’t happy with certain aspects of his special teams, which surrendered a game-tying 72-yard punt return touchdown to Florida’s Antonio Callaway, he thought it was a good performance in the other two phases.
#LSU’s Les Miles: Good balance on offense, 423 yards, 221 rushing, 202 passing. Defense did a great job on the back end.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 19, 2015
Miles gave credit to his defense for sacking Florida QB Treon Harris 5 times while giving him credit for being “awfully elusive.” He also gave credit to his own protection for keeping QB Brandon Harris clean the whole game against a fierce Florida pass rush.
#LSU’s Les Miles: Florida led SEC with 21 sacks coming in, our O-line allowed none.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 19, 2015
The showdown between the Tigers and Gators was physical, as always, and Miles says he’s reached out to the conference office regarding the punishment RB Leonard Fournette has received after the whistle.
Les Miles says he's submitted tape to SEC about Leonard Fournette getting hit late. "Turned in a number of clips/plays" #LSU
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) October 19, 2015
Miles made reference to Western Kentucky’s talent on both sides of the ball but especially pointed to the Hilltoppers offense, which he said is explosive, averaging 535 yards of offense while being the No. 3 passing team in the nation (407.1). Miles even thinks they’re one of the best teams in the nation right now.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChing/status/656164542393819136
Miles really played up Western Kentucky as being a dangerous team, certainly more so than the Eastern Michigan team the Tigers played earlier this season. Miles pointed out that Eastern Michigan wasn’t as complete of a team and wasn’t 6-1 coming in with one of the top quarterbacks in the nation (QB Brandon Doughty).
#LSU’s Les Miles: WKU has talented players on both sides of the ball. Explosive, averaging 535 yards offense. No. 3 passing team in nation
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 19, 2015
Miles had some bad news regarding TE Dillon Gordon. The senior re-injured his Achilles and is likely out for the season although Miles stopped short of saying that.
Tough news for Dillon Gordon. A somber Les Miles says he can't imagine Gordon will return. Was a big-time factor in blocking game. #LSU
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) October 19, 2015