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LSU coach Les Miles says team is focusing more on special teams, likes plan
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Here are the highlights from what LSU coach Les Miles had to say in his weekly press conference on Monday as the No. 4 Tigers get set to visit the No. 7 Tide in Tuscaloosa this Saturday.
The two SEC West behemoths will once again be on a big stage like they have so many times before, and Miles knows it’s not like the others.
Les Miles: "This is a special week for us. We look forward to playing Alabama." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 2, 2015
Miles believes his team will deliver a good performance under the primetime lights.
Coach Miles: I like my team. I like their character. They will respond in a big game. They’ll play hard and have fun.
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 2, 2015
Les Miles has faced Alabama 11 times while in Baton Rouge, going 5-6 in those games.
"I revere those memories, so it's hard for me to pick one," Miles said when asked of favorite moments vs. Alabama.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 2, 2015
Miles indicated that his team has put extra attention into special teams this week. LSU has struggled in certain phases on special teams, so that’s understandable. However, you can’t help but wonder if that’s a sign of the Mad Hatter having something up his sleeve.
Miles: We focused more on special teams this week, tightened things up. I like our plan. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 2, 2015
A lot will be made all week as Leonard Fournette, the best running back in the nation, faces arguably the best run defense in the country. However, Miles didn’t want to draw too much attention to his star.
"I don't know if we're looking for legacies. It's a team event," Miles said when asked how this game will help build Fournette's legacy.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 2, 2015
Miles also praised his quarterback Brandon Harris, whose development has been crucial to the Tigers’ success to this point, and that will ring true on Saturday.
Miles on Harris: "Fortunate he's progressed like he has. One of the reasons why we stand where we do now." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 2, 2015
#LSU coach Les Miles: Brandon Harris' ability to use his legs will certainly be a part of this game.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) November 2, 2015
While Fournette and Harris will be key for the Tigers, Derrick Henry will be key for the Tide, and Miles knows it will take more than one defender to bring him down.
"He's somebody our defense is going to have to focus on and make sure there are some helmets around him," Miles on Bama TB Derrick Henry.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 2, 2015
As always, there’s going to be plenty of talent on the field when the teams meet in Tuscaloosa that will likely be playing on Sundays in the future.
#LSU coach Les Miles: If you were an NFL scout with any wisdom at all, you would watch the LSU-Alabama game.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) November 2, 2015
LSU also gave an injury report on his team, which looks like it could have a perfect bill of health once Saturday arrives. Miles said DT Christian LaCouture, CB Tre’Davious White and FB J.D. Moore are all expected to play against Alabama.
Miles says LaCouture, White, Moore are expected to "play in the game." All of them might not practice today tho. #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 2, 2015
And Miles also touched on Sid Ortis, a 16-year-old LSU fan who passed away after a long battle with cancer on Saturday morning.
#LSU coach Les Miles on Sid Ortis passing away: I was fortunate to meet Sid. He had so much spirit. Loved his Tigers.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) November 2, 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.
