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Here are the highlights from LSU coach Les Miles’ weekly press conference on Monday following the team’s 31-14 loss to Arkansas on Saturday.
Miles began the press conference by shooting down any notion that his team was suffering from a hangover following the team’s 30-16 loss to Alabama.
"There was anything but a very focused enthusiastic group of men and were absolutely ready to play in this game," Miles on Arkansas game.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 16, 2015
Miles got several questions regarding the team’s offensive line, which has struggled in two straight losses to Alabama and Arkansas. He feels a big factor is getting behind in the down-and-distance situations as defenses have been able to pin their ears back on the money down. LSU allowed five sacks against an Arkansas team that only had eight all season entering the game, the fewest in the SEC.
Miles: Our offensive line is a good line. But if you put yourself in 3rd and long you tell the defense "come and get us." #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 16, 2015
He was asked whether the offensive front is in a slump.
"I hope not. I have not seen O-lines that were as good as this one go into slumps. Certainly, this has been a flat spot," Miles said.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 16, 2015
Miles was also asked about QB Brandon Harris, who finished the game 21-for-35 passing for 271 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
"There were times when he was brilliant," Miles said of QB Brandon Harris. But could play better. Was 14 of 16 at one point.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 16, 2015
The Razorbacks jumped on top of the Tigers 21-0 with a little under four minutes to go in the first half. Miles said the sluggish start caught him off guard.
Miles: "I didn't expect to start poorly. In fact, we got a turnover at our 50 and I thought, 'This is the time we take it in and score" #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 16, 2015
Defensively, Miles pointed to three key plays that broke the Tigers’ backs: an 80-yard run by Alex Collins, a 69-yard run by Jared Cornelius and a 52-yard reception by Dominique Reed.
Miles: defensively here's an interesting statistic that makes you sad – gave up 201 yds on 3 plays. That cost you the game. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 16, 2015
Miles said his team “understands crisis” and needs to bounce back this week against Ole Miss in Oxford.
Miles: I want to go back to off. that's producing, def. that plays dominant football. That's the plan this week. It's time to step up. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 16, 2015
As far as injuries, Miles had some good news regarding a couple juniors, LT Jerald Hawkins and TE DeSean Smith.
Miles says Jerald Hawkins should be back for Tuesday's practice. DeSean Smith MRI negative. Back soon, Miles says. #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 16, 2015
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
