Les Miles on receivers: 'We're looking at shuffling the lineup'
Here are the highlights from LSU coach Les Miles’ weekly press conference on Monday.
Miles seemed a little disappointed with the play of his receivers. While QB Brandon Harris has been under the microscope, Miles made it clear that he expects more out of his pass-catchers.
#LSU's Miles on inconsistent receiver play: "We're looking at shuffling the lineup" but he's not ready to make "wholesale" changes.
— Brett Martel (@brettmartel) October 5, 2015
Miles: "If we don't drop balls, we score two more touchdowns and maybe a 150 yards more of offense." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 5, 2015
However, Miles did mention a few areas of improvement for Harris, who lost a fumble against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, the first turnover all season for the Tigers.
Miles on Harris: "Really doing what we asked him to do. One thing, I'd like for him to have presence in pocket to hang on to that ball" #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 5, 2015
Miles chucked when he got a question from a reporter wondering if he doesn’t just look at his passing game and basically say forget it, let’s run it. Miles certainly knows what kind of player he has in Leonard Fournette, and he can’t deprive him of opportunities to be a game-changer.
#LSU coach Les Miles: Give your home run hitters opportunities to hit home runs. We feel we have other home run hitters (than Fournette).
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 5, 2015
Miles reeled off a few of Fournette’s superlatives, including his three straight 200-yard rushing games, the first time that had been accomplished in SEC history. However, he was quick to give credit to the other units for his monster season so far.
#LSU coach Les Miles: OL, FB WR are part of the blocking. That’s why Leonard is having success. He’s first one to tell you that.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 5, 2015
After two disappointing performances against at Syracuse and vs. Eastern Michigan, Miles knows his team isn’t excelling in all phases, but he isn’t worried about that.
Coach Miles at his press conf: We’re in a position where we would like to be hitting on all cylinders, but in reality we are really close.
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 5, 2015
Miles made it clear that LSU will need to be at its best on Saturday against coach Steve Spurrier and his Gamecocks. The two colorful coaches seem to have a decent relationship.
Miles asked if Spurrier has ever "zinged" him: "I refuse to answer that question." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 5, 2015
Miles was concerned after a couple of incidents in which his players lost their helmets on the field last Saturday against Eastern Michigan.
#LSU coach Les Miles: Surprised to get a 2nd player penalized for playing w/0 helmet. Going to get equipment man to tighten them up
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 5, 2015
He was also concerned with the three penalties his defense got for being too eager against the Eagles.
#LSU had three defensive off-sides (Key, Beckwith, Godchaux) and Miles said "we'll get that fixed."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 5, 2015
Miles also gave an injury update to a few key players. He mentioned S Jalen Mills (ankle) and TE Dillon Gordon (Achilles) remain day-to-day. Meanwhile, DE Tashawn Bower and OLB Lamar Louis (concussion) should be fine come Saturday.
