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Here are the highlights from Les Miles’ weekly press conference on Monday as the team prepares for Eastern Michigan this Saturday.
Miles had some strong words regarding RB Leonard Fournette. He feels like he’s being targeted, and it’s the officials’ jobs to enforce penalties and make for a safe environment.
"It's the officials' job to make sure there's a level playing field," Miles said of Fournette, who got hit below belt and missed few plays.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) September 28, 2015
Miles believes Fournette has a bullseye on his back because of his importance to the team.
"When you become a guy who is very talented and one of reasons your team wins, you're going to be targeted," Miles said of Fournette.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) September 28, 2015
However, Miles isn’t worried about the effect that hits may have on Fournette over the course of the season. He said the stronger running backs are the ones that look to use contact as an advantage.
Miles on telling Fournette to avoid contact to prevent injury: "I don't know that I'd want to change his style in any way." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 28, 2015
Miles had a lot to say about LSU’s problem with penalties. The Tigers average 9.3 penalties per game, last in the SEC and tied for 117th in the FBS. He feels flags hurt the team on third downs as LSU finished 3-for-10 on third down conversions against Syracuse.
#LSU coach Les Miles: Penalties prohibited us from making some key third downs. We focus on 3rd down every practice.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 28, 2015
He was especially peeved with how costly penalties were in terms of the scoreboard, offensively and defensively.
#LSU coach Les Miles: Penalties cost us 14 points on offense. Defense had six penalties that led to three TD drives.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 28, 2015
LSU safety Jalen Mills, who fractured his fibula, was expected to return around this time. However, Miles wasn’t even ready to say Mills would return in a couple weeks. Phil Steele had Mills on his Second-Team Preseason All-America team.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChing/status/648554751009927169
Miles had some praise for this week’s opponent, Eastern Michigan. He especially had good things to say about the Eagles’ offense, who he says has moved the ball on everyone it’s played.
#LSU coach Les Miles: EMU can really move the ball offensively, size and speed on defense, and makes plays. It’s about our path.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 28, 2015
Miles is OK with where his Tigers are at this point in the season, and he likes the road ahead.
#LSU coach Les Miles: Glad to be in the position we are in right now. I like the way the schedule sets up.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 28, 2015
Miles talked about the late hit called on LSU senior LB Deion Jones, who was called for a late hit in Saturday’s win over Syracuse. Jones, who had to sit out the first half after being ejected from the team’s win against Auburn, was flagged late in the game for shoving a ball carrier in the back after went out of bounds.
Miles said "he did not see the out of bounds hit" against LB Deion Jones. "I have to visit with the conference." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 28, 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.
