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Les Miles took to the microphone for his weekly press conference prior to the game on Saturday at Syracuse, although he seemed to be asked more questions about last week’s win over Auburn.
The LSU coach addressed both issues:
On the offensive line’s performance vs. Auburn:
“They want to play and play in a way that this conference could see there is something going on at LSU.”
On Leonard Fournette’s health after the Auburn game:
“He’s fine. As hard as he runs, if he doesn’t get bruised, something is wrong.”
On the discovery of tight end Colin Jeter:
“He came to our post-grad camp (a camp for players who have finished high school or been in junior college and are immediately eligible) and we looked at a number of players. Colin Jeter stood out, caught balls. We thought he would continue to develop — I think he is 6-6, 240-plus right now. He has ball skills and can block. We offered him a grant-in-aid.”
On LSU’s rushing-game depth:
“We have some elite backs that can shift the burden off Leonard. And we have a mobile quarterback.”
On LB Deion Jones being ejected for targeting last week:
“We haven’t had a targeting foul in three years and that is as long as there has been the rule. We work hard against (targeting).
Finally, he got to talk about Syracuse.
On Syracuse overall:
“They are talented and well-coached. Scott Shafer is an ex-defensive coordinator at Michigan in ’08, and he has done a great job there. They are 3-0, their best start since 1991.”
On the Orange needing overtime to beat Central Michigan:
“They beat a quality MAC school. Just look at what Toledo has done this year. Central Michigan has a great program, a very strong program.”
On how his team will prepare for playing an early game:
“We’re going to practice here Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday on grass depending on the heat and then go inside on Thursday. We will get them up early this week and suggest they go to bed early.”
On playing out of region:
“(Syracuse) is New York’s college. It’s a great opportunity to go east and experience a quality opponent.”
On playing in the Carrier Dome:
“It’s their fourth straight home game and the crowd should be its biggest and loudest. We expect a home stadium that benefits the home team.”
Syracuse and LSU kickoff at noon ET on ESPN.
Steve Barnes is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football.
