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LSU Headlines – 11/20/09

John — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:52 +0000

1. The LSU defense will have its hands full with Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster.

2. McCluster said his performance last week reminded him of a scene in a movie in which time slows down.

3. Tailback Brandon Bolden is also playing well for the Rebels right now.

4. With all the talk of “The Blind Side,” this writer reminds folks that Michael Oher almost when to LSU, not Ole Miss.

5. The Outback Bowl is still hoping to land LSU.

6. In basketball news, a knee injury to Alex Farrer was more serious than initially thought and the fifth-year senior will be out for the season.

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LSU Headlines – 11/19/09

John — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:26:45 +0000

1. Les Miles says Jordan Jefferson will likely start at quarterback this weekend.

2. Les Miles has kept Jefferson away from the media this week.

3. Jefferson’s teammates like what they’ve seen from him in practice this week… and they say the coaches seem “a little more comfortable” knowing that their starter will be ready.

4. Ole Miss has held four SEC opponents to under 300 yards of total offense.

5. The LSU defense is bracing for Dexter McCluster.

6. In basketball news, LSU will face #12 UConn next Wednesday in the semifinals of the preseason NIT.

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Les Miles Teleconference 11/18/09

John — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:06:11 +0000

* LSU is “enjoying a good week of practice.” Ole Miss will be a “great challenge.”

* Asked what makes Larry Porter a good coach, Miles said that there are a number of members of his staff who could be head coaches. He said of Porter: “Great natural instinct, knowledgeable and has all the people skills you’d want.” (Porter is a candidate for the Memphis job.)

* “Center, quarterback and tight end” are all practicing this week and should be ready to go on Saturday.

* Jarrett Lee “played well enough for us to win.” “He made some improvement.” “I don’t know that restoring confidence is necessarily what needs to happen.”

* Dexter McCluser has “great speed, great anticipation for cuts.” “It’s more corral than penatrate” when it comes to defending him. “Our athleticism helps that.”

* Miles doesn’t think there’s much argument that the SEC is THE — if not one of the — most competitive conferences in the nation. “It’s a great league. It’s a lot of fun to compete in. You know one thing — victories are earned.”

* Miles thinks Ole Miss has improved. “I think they have a better feeling for what their identity is.”

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LSU Headlines – 11/18/09

John — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:05:32 +0000

1. Chad Jones will keeping close tabs on Dexter McCluster this weekend.

2. This writer believes McCluster is everything LSU wants their own Russell Shepard to be.

3. Defensive tackle Lavar Edwards looked good in his first start last Saturday.

4. Tailback Keiland Williams is trying to end his career on a high note.

5. Mississippi’s Jevan Snead seems to be finding his groove as the season winds down. (That’s because McCluster has been carrying more of the load… as we pointed out earlier this week.)

6. Snead is nursing a bum ankle that he injured on a fourth-down sneak last week.

7. LSU will be heading to Madison Square Garden for the NIT preseason semifinals after dispatching Western Kentucky 71-60 last night.

8. Bo Spencer poured in a career-high 28 points for the Tigers.

9. For those folks — like me — who thought Trent Johnson’s team would take a step back after losing so many veterans, it might be time to start paying attention to what’s happening on the Bayou. Yes, it’s early, but Western Kentucky is a darn good basketball team and LSU licked ‘em.

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LSU Headlines – 11/17/09

John — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:51:15 +0000

1. Les Miles doesn’t like (or understand) fans who boo. Neither do I, for that matter.

2. LSU’s defense has had trouble containing shifty running backs. They face Dexter McCluster on Saturday. Uh-oh.

3. As we told you earlier this morning, Jordan Jefferson is expected to play against the Rebels.

4. Miles is “excited to get him back and throwing and moving around.”

5. In basketball news, Storm Warren’s 12 rebounds and six put-backs helped LSU survive a night in which they went 0-for-15 from beyond the arc.

6. Trent Johnson says Warren “has a nose for the ball.”

7. The Tigers’ win over Indiana State propelled them into a second round NIT game with Western Kentucky tonight.

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LSU Headlines – 11/16/09

John — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:49:51 +0000

1. A beat-up LSU offense couldn’t find its groove against Louisiana Tech.

2. LSU’s play-calling and lack of use of Keiland Williams is raising questions on the Bayou.

3. Williams did well when he did get the football.

4. Quarterback Jarrett Lee started in place of Jordan Jefferson and nearly threw some more pick-six interceptions to go with last year’s record number.

5. The defense needed a half to wake up on Saturday, too.

6. The Tigers need to forget about Tech and move on to Ole Miss (and Dexter McCluster).

7. In basketball news, the Tigers will face a stiff challenge tonight in the NIT Season Tipoff Tournament.

8. Trent Johnson is worried because Indiana State’s Princeton-like system “exploits inexperience.”

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Keiland Williams saves LSU in 24-16 win over La. Tech

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:54:02 +0000

Senior running back scores two touchdowns in second half to stave off Bulldogs
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LSU’s quest for top-5 finish begins today against Louisiana Tech

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:42:31 +0000

BATON ROUGE - Perhaps it is because LSU is celebrating its 100th homecoming tonight. Perhaps it is because so many remain enraged over the officiating at Alabama. Whatever the reason, there seems to be a livelier buzz surrounding LSU vs. Louisiana Tech…
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LSU Headlines – 11/13/09

John — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:32:38 +0000

1. LSU still has a shot at Orlando or Dallas as postseason destinations. (Technically, if Bama or Florida lose in the regular season and then in the SEC title game, LSU still has a shot at a BCS bowl, too.)

2. LSU will be facing quite a bit of in-state talent when they battle Louisiana Tech tomorrow.

3. Despite a 3-6 record, this writer believes Derek Dooley has Tech on the right track.

4. According to this notes column, Les Miles would like to see the SEC foot the bill for some hi-def monitors in their replay booths.

5. In basketball news, Trent Johnson’s second squad opens the season against Louisiana-Monroe tonight.

6. Johnson knows that his team is undermanned, but he says there’s “not a sense of panic.”

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LSU Headlines – 11/12/09

John — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:53:56 +0000

1. LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson was back at practice yesterday, but Les Miles didn’t declare him the starter for Saturday just yet.

2. If Jefferson can’t go, Tiger fans will be eager to see what kind of improvement Jarrett Lee has made in the past year.

3. A caller during a radio show told Miles that he should have gone into a tirade over the controversial interception call on Saturday and that he needed to “stand up” for the Tigers.

4. Miles believes his team is better equipped to end this season on a winning note.

5. This notes column covers a number of Tiger injuries.

6. In basketball news, ESPN gave high marks to LSU basketball’s early signing class.

7. Trent Johnson is working with Tasmin Mitchell on his leadership style.

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Les Miles Teleconference 11/11/09

John — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:10:02 +0000

Notes from Les Miles’ teleconference:

* Miles opened up his comments by saluting America’s veterans and mentioning the tragedy at Ft. Hood.

* “Last week was a long time ago. … We’re not looking back.” Miles said his players have had a good attitude this week.

* Miles expects Jordan Jefferson “to be improved,” but he wouldn’t talk too much about his availability in today’s practice.

* Miles has enjoyed coaching his dual-sport athletes and doesn’t “see any short-comings at this point.”

* This year’s team is “more responsible” than last year’s team. “I think the leadership’s good. I look forward to the back end of the season.”

* Miles expects his backups to play as well as his starters. “We’re fortunate that we have that mindset and that our players do as well.”

* LSU likes being able to change the tempo on offense with a no-huddle attack. “I think it benefits our quarterbacks in an opponent’s stadium as well.” It also puts pressure on the opponent substitution-wise.

* “I don’t think there’s any way that you can win championships without defense.” If you don’t have a quality defense in the SEC, you’re not going to win.

* There is also a necessity to run the football in the SEC.

* Miles wouldn’t say if he liked having a non-conference game late LSU’s schedule or not. “That’s how it is.” He said that he simply looks forward to playing then next game, whether it’s a conference game or not.

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LSU Headlines – 11/11/09

John — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:51:59 +0000

1. LSU can go in a couple of directions in trying to replace injured tailback Charles Scott.

2. Keiland Williams could finally become the Tigers’ go-to back.

3. Even though it might mean more playing time, Williams is saddened by the injury to Scott.

4. It will be brother-against-brother when LSU faces Louisiana Tech this weekend.

5. Tech has shown some offensive punch of late… but I’d guess that’ll end on Saturday.

6. According to this notes column, as long as Jordan Jefferson’s ankle is healthy, he’s got nothing to worry about from backup Jarrett Lee.

7. In basketball news, guard Alex Farrer will be out for the rest of the calendar year with a dislocated kneecap, which is a blow to the thin LSU roster.

8. Trent Johnson will be giving away 250 tickets to students for next week’s LSU-Indiana State game.

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LSU Headlines – 11/10/09

John — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:51:23 +0000

1. LSU has several holes to fill thanks to a rash of injuries.

2. The big story out of Baton Rouge today is Les Miles’ decision to not complain about a non-interception call in Saturday’s fourth quarter.

3. “I looked at the television feed, and I do not know what the instant replay officials are looking at,” Miles said. “I defer, and I’m going to understand that in fact these guys are doing everything they can to get it right. I’m going to figure that if there’s an issue, they’ll get it fixed.”

4. Miles did joke about the call when a reporter at his press conference said, “If that wasn’t an interception, then I’ve never seen one.”

5. Aside from the officials, Miles also spent some time explaining/defending some of his second-half decisions.

6. Miles said Brandon Taylor was LSU’s best option to replace an injured Patrick Peterson during the loss to Alabama.

7. LSU players still want to finish strong. Of course.

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LSU Headlines – 11/9/09

John — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:33 +0000

1. LSU will have to regroup mentally and physically from Saturday’s loss at Alabama.

2. The biggest loss might have been tailback Charles Scott who will miss the rest of the season.

3. Despite the loss, LSU moved up in the BCS standings.

4. Penalties proved costly for the Tigers in Tuscaloosa.

5. Randy Rosetta of The Baton Rouge Advocate writes that SEC officials are losing their credibility.

6. Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett Louisiana writes that LSU wouldn’t have beaten the Tide even with the questionable interception call.

7. LSU’s players weren’t talking about conspiracies after the game, they simply said that they were beaten on the field.

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No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama could turn into special event

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:33:58 +0000

Scoring expected to be at a premium in SEC West duel
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LSU Headlines – 11/6/09

John — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:14:23 +0000

1. Kicker Josh Jasper might be called upon quite a bit against Alabama’s stingy defense.

2. So far, LSU’s special teams units have been up to the challenge. (Which seems to be out of the norm for SEC teams this year.)

3. LSU fans will need to keep their eyes on the Tide’s Mark Ingram and Rolando McClain tomorrow.

4. Brandon LaFell and Terrance Tolliver are easily the conference’s best one-two punch at the receiver position.

5. Don’t expect the quarterbacks – one who takes too many sacks (Jordan Jefferson) and the other who struggles in the red zone (Greg McElroy — to outshine the defenses tomorrow.

6. The Tigers’ offense has been improving, but it will get its toughest test from Alabama.

7. Les Miles wants to see more of tailback/fullback Stevan Ridley in LSU’s attack.

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LSU Headlines – 11/5/09

John — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:06:10 +0000

1. Jordan Jefferson says he has to try to be perfect against Alabama’s defense.

2. Patrick Peterson is looking forward to his one-on-one battle with Julio Jones.

3. Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is having a breakout season for the Tigers.

4. Here’s an odd fact: the road team in the Alabama-LSU series is 27-11-1 since 1970. That’s hard to believe.

5. According to this notes column, Les Miles says he’s been playing “Sweet Home Alabama” at practice this week. He also says that he doesn’t know the lyrics which I find impossible to believe.

6. Facing Terrence Cody this week, center T-Bob Hebert knows he’ll have to stay low and drive with his feet.

7. Miles believes his team might actually need to slow down a little bit in practice.

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Les Miles Teleconference 11/4/09

John — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:06:36 +0000

Notes from Les Miles’ teleconference:

* LSU is “relatively healthy.” The team has practiced well this week.

* Jordan Jefferson is getting better because he’s getting more and more on-field experience. He’s taking advantage of coverages better.

* Terrance Tolliver “comes off the practice field spent.”

* Asked if the Nick Saban versus Les Miles talk has died down, Miles said he’s never given any though to that and it’s always about Alabama and LSU to him.

* Alabama is “good, capable and well coached.” Miles did not get into specifics when asked to explain what he’s concerned about in facing Bama. He did say it’s hard to find weaknesses on Alabama’s team.

* If LSU plays the way they can play, “we’ll be happy with the outcome.”

* Rolando McClain does a good job of getting his teammates into the right positions. “A very bright player who understands the intricacies of the game.”

* Miles expects both offenses to “move more slowly than they’d like.”

* Julio Jones is “a tremendous receiver.” “There’s no difference in the plays that he makes… from a year ago.” “They use him run and pass.”

* LSU is getting more confident on offense. “I feel like there’s a commitment to excellence there and a comfort with what’s being called.” “We’re getting better.”

*

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LSU Headlines – 11/4/09

John — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:47:49 +0000

1. Nick Saban likes the improvements his Alabama team made during their open week.

2. LSU’s defense is preparing for a physical Tide offense.

3. Cornerback Patrick Peterson will be put in charge of slowing down Bama receiver Julio Jones.

4. The Tigers will also have to stop Heisman candidate Mark Ingram.

5. Ingram looks to improve over his five carry, six yard performance against LSU last year.

6. Kelvin Sheppard is the first Tiger linebacker since 2002 to record three consecutive double-digit tackle games.

7. The Tide feel their offense is ready to get rolling again.

8. On the other side of the ball, Tiger center T-Bob Hebert will have to deal with massive nose tackle Terrence Cody.

9. Les Miles isn’t playing down the significance of this week’s game.

10. In basketball news, Trent Johnson has decided to hold closed-door scrimmages against Division I teams (like South Alabama last weekend) rather than open exhibitions against small colleges.

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LSU Headlines – 11/3/09

John — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:39:54 +0000

1. The coaches say Saturday’s game is about LSU versus Alabama, not them.

2. This writer feels the game won’t be hyped as Coach versus Coach.

3. But this writer — correctly, in my opinion — says the game still IS about Les Miles versus Nick Saban. (Miles will not even say Saban’s name, which this writer says, “may show more inferiority than gamesmanship.”)

4. Regardless of the focus of the hype, the Tigers are ready for a big-game atmosphere in Tuscaloosa.

5. Ciron Black says he loves “going to Alabama because it is hostile.”

6. Stevan Ridley hopes he’s played his way into LSU’s tailback rotation.

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LSU Headlines – 11/2/09

John — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:24 +0000

1. LSU’s linebackers continue to improve and thrive.

2. Freshman Thomas Parsons made a nice impact at fullback against Tulane.

3. With Tulane behind them, LSU can finally focus on Alabama and the Game of the Year in the SEC West.

4. Miles tries not to talk about Nick Saban… possibly because some LSU fans still prefer their past coach to their current one.

5. This writer believes LSU’s “stock is clearly rising” while “Alabama is backsliding.”

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LSU overwhelms Tulane 42-0 behind Charles Scott’s two touchdowns

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:42:44 +0000

Tigers roll over Wave in perhaps the final game of historic series
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No. 9 LSU focused on Tulane, task at hand

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:16:11 +0000

Ending storied rivalry least of Tigers’ issues
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LSU Headlines – 10/30/09

John — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:05:07 +0000

1. LSU’s turnover-forcing defense is one of the best in the SEC.

2. The Tigers’ defensive starters even forced their way back into the Auburn game to try to make a meaningless, late-game stand.

3. Offensive lineman Will Blackwell has had three different stories written about him this week. Here’s the latest.

4. LSU is a 35-point favorite to win their 18th in a row against Tulane.

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LSU Headlines – 10/29/09

John — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:13:08 +0000

1. Former Tiger player and coach Jerry Stovall talks about the LSU-Tulane rivalry that starts coming to a close this weekend.

2. Here’s another story on offensive lineman Will Blackwell… who has helped the resurgent LSU running attack.

3. Receiver Terrance Tolliver is having a breakout season for the Tigers.

4. According to this notes column, Jordan Jefferson was back at practice yesterday after missing time earlier this week with a respiratory illness.

5. Jefferson’s stats got a boost from his performance against Auburn.

6. Freshman Russell Shepard was glad to get into the end zone last Saturday. “I went from having 160 touchdowns (actually 98) in high school to struggling to get touches, so it was an amazing feeling. I went from being a high school sensation to waiting my turn — waiting for anything.”

7. In basketball news, LSU held a scrimmage last night that ended in a 46-46 tie.

8. Bo Spencer and Garrett Green looked good in bouncing back from injuries.

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LSU Headlines – 10/28/09

John — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:49:09 +0000

1. Tulane coach Bob Toledo says he’s hoping for a respectable showing against LSU. “I want to be competitive, I want to not embarrass ourselves.” George S. Patton he’s not.

2. Offensive lineman Will Blackwell isn’t playing a lot, but when he does play, he plays well.

3. A pair of former high school teammates will be reunited when the Tigers and Green Wave meet up on Saturday.

4. On the hardwood, Trent Johnson wants to see more intensity out of his basketball team.

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Les Miles Teleconference 10/29/09

John — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:09:26 +0000

Notes from Les Miles’ teleconference:

* Miles felt like his team improved against Auburn. Jordan Jefferson played one of his better games. “Our defense played strong and continues to build on the season.”

* Bob Toledo does a “great job” at Tulane.

* LSU used their open date to work on “very specific things.” “The open date is a tremendous piece to health” and toward academics. LSU was able to “re-gear” their legs. Miles would like to see another open date added to he college football season.

* Asked why LSU has had some recent struggles with Tulane, Miles said that Tulane played well and that it wasn’t about his team playing poorly.

* Miles thinks his team recognizes where they are in their season and that they will need to improve every single week to reach their goals… and the first step in that is Tulane.

* “We’ve always kind of recruited Texas well.” Miles believes “there’s a strong SEC following in the state of Texas” and it’s close enough for players to have their families come watch them play at LSU.

* “You better come up with a great plan” offensively every week in the SEC this year. “There are great defenses in this conference.” “It’s tough to judge what a great day (on offense).”

* Miles thinks the days of looking at a 400-yard day as a “good day” are over due to improved defenses and new clock rules that limit plays.

* Miles is in favor of an early signing date for football, but he doesn’t want to shake up the current calendar. He would like to see a late-November or early-December date for committed prospects to sign.

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LSU Headlines – 10/28/09

John — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:44:57 +0000

1. Saturday’s romp over Auburn allowed LSU’s coaches to get more of their freshman onto the field.

2. Les Miles says Jordan Jefferson’s performance shows that the young quarterback is making good progress.

3. LSU has their last matchup with Tulane on Saturday… and then a trip to #2 Alabama in a game that could decide the SEC West race.

4. The Tigers say they won’t look past the Green Wave.

5. Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett Louisiana writes that Saturday’s win served as a jumpstart for LSU’s season.

6. Former safety Harry Coleman is having a strong season at outside linebacker in John Chavis’ new defense.

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LSU proves superior Tigers in 31-10 victory over Auburn

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:33:16 +0000

LSU takes command early in rare lopsided victory over Auburn
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Chavis-Malzahn among top LSU-AU matchups

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:21:35 +0000

There will be interesting matchups all over the field when LSU and Auburn collide Saturday, but there might not be a more meaningful or intriguing showdown than the one that’s been taking shape all week in meeting rooms.

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LSU Headlines – 10/23/09

John — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:36:46 +0000

1. Tailback Charles Scott’s numbers aren’t where they were last year and LSU is determined to change that in the season’s second half.

2. Former LSU player Al Richardson will watch his son suit up for Auburn on Saturday.

3. Auburn corner Walter McFadden has some bad memories of his last trip to Baton Rouge.

4. Auburn’s offensive woes might sound familiar to Bayou Bengal fans.

5. In basketball news, here are some of the same quotes we brought you yesterday from Trent Johnson and Tasmin Mitchell.

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Media Day Quotes From LSU

John — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:52:28 +0000

Coach Trent Johnson on forward Tasmin Mitchell:

“We are very excited about Tasmin Mitchell. Never before have I seen someone as committed to his school and his program as much as Tasmin is. As good as he was last year, he is even better this year. He is one of the best players on this team, in this conference and potentially in the country.”

Tasmin Mitchell on how this year’s team compare to last year’s:

“This is a whole new team. We lost some great guys last year, but this is another team. We are trying to make our own identity. Last year was a great year and we had a great run.”

More quotes can be found here.

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LSU Headlines – 10/22/09

John — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:56:20 +0000

1. Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard says “Auburn has always been a downhill, smashmouth football team and they’ve taken that and expanded on it with all the misdirection.”

2. LSU’s defensive line rotation has kept key players fresh late in ballgames.

3. LSU corner Patrick Peterson and Auburn corner Walter McFadden talk “at least every other day.” They’re first cousins.

4. Come Friday, the duo might partake in some “trash texting.”

5. According to this notes column, opposing defenses are stacking the line of scrimmage against LSU, daring them to attack downfield. So far, they haven’t.

6. And this notes column reports that true freshman Dominique Allen might get some time at fullback on Saturday.

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Les Miles Teleconference 10/21/09

John — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:05:03 +0000

Notes from Les Miles’ just completed teleconference:

* The staff and team got a lot accomplished during their open date. LSU’s “health is much better.”

* The defense is playing with more confidence and they have a better understanding “of what’s wanted from each call.” “It’s improving weekly.”

* Chad Jones “has done great. … He’s really applied himself to the position.” “He’s really becoming a well-rounded safety. … He’s seldom making mistakes.”

* “We’re trying to get (Charles) Scott’s numbers up, to be honest.” LSU wants to make a concerted effort to run the ball better.

* Scott is “a very, very team-oriented guy.” “He just wants to play.”

* “Our team understands that all we have to do is improve, play well, take care of each opponent one at a time and we can control our own destiny.”

* LSU’s team took the Florida loss “with a grain of salt” because they know that their goals are still attainable.

* The offensive calls that have been made have “certainly been the right calls,” but Miles wants to run the ball more efficiently and throw the ball more down the field. Execution is the key.

* Wow. Maybe I was wrong about the officiating questions. Quick session for Miles today. Few questions.

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LSU Headlines – 10/21/09

John — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:48:24 +0000

1. Les Miles said his team spent a lot of time during its open date working on the deep ball. “Our guy (quarterback Jordan Jefferson) can do that.”

2. The quarterback “controversy” in Baton Rouge was “born in the irate realms of cyberspace and nursed by the media.” In reality, there is no controversy.

3. This notes column reports that receiver Terrance Tolliver still believe the Tigers “can compete for a national championship.”

4. LSU needs its D-line to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

5. One key for LSU in beating Auburn on Saturday: win the fourth quarter.

6. Miles defended offensive tackle Ciron Black yesterday.

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LSU Headlines – 10/20/09

John — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:15:31 +0000

1. Unbelievably, with a 5-1 record and Top 10 ranking, some fans and reporters are wondering if Jarrett Lee might replace Jordan Jefferson at quarterback. Les Miles has news for those folks: “I like the development of our quarterback that’s currently our starter.”

2. LSU fans should also get used to the Tigers’ “check with me” system at the line of scrimmage. At least until Jefferson feels comfortable enough to make checks on his own.

3. Miles was on a “coachspeak” roll yesterday:

“The measure of our season will be made not on what we’ve done but what we will do.”

“The team that improves the most from this point forward has every opportunity to be in the title game.”

“He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.”

(One of these quotes is NOT a Miles quote. Guess which one.)

4. LSU’s offensive players get a kick out of watching the New Orleans Saints’ offense do what they themselves cannot.

5. The Tigers who are coming to Baton Rouge this weekend — from Auburn — are also trying to kickstart a sputtering offense.

6. Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard says Auburn tries “to get you thinking one way and then go the other. If you get caught up in that, they can gash you.”

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LSU Headlines – 10/19/09

John — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:22:46 +0000

1. Despite the fact that LSU’s defense has carried the team this season, players like linebacker Perry Riley believe the defense “can keep getting better.”

2. Ranked 9th in the BCS, LSU still controls its own destiny when it comes to climbing.

3. During the open week, the Tigers got some rest and went back to work on some basics.

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LSU Headlines – 10/16/09

John — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:28:00 +0000

1. Safety Chad Jones says this open week “has been like training camp all over again, and nobody likes training camp.” Maybe Miles is putting his team through the ringer because he’s just 2-2 following open dates since taking over in Baton Rouge.

2. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson said yesterday that he needs to take more chances. Miles said, “I don’t know if ‘chances’ is exactly the word I’d want to use. I think he means to throw the ball down the field maybe a little more, and make sure it’s a timely, wise decision.”

3. Offensive lineman Lyle Hitt said of the Tigers’ 18 sacks allowed, “We can’t give up those sacks, and Jordan’s got to have that clock in his head to either tuck it and run with it or get rid of it or do SOMETHING with it besides holding it.”

4. In basketball news, Tasmin Mitchell wants to see if he can lead his new teammates to great heights.

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LSU Headlines – 10/15/09

John — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:35:31 +0000

1. Does LSU need to run the ball more? It sounds like that’s the way Les Miles is leaning.

2. Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of the Tigers’ offensive numbers. And in some cases, yes, they are quite offensive. (Bah-dum-bum.)

3. Regarding freshman quarterback Russell Shepard, Miles said, “We’re trying to get him and us into the flow of the offense, and right now we’re not calling his number appropriately and we’re not getting him onto the field within the flow of offense and that’s certainly an issue for us.”

4. Miles also said, “We studied and came to some points where we could improve. Those spots, those positions, we’re working on, and some is strategy and some is personnel. And it’s an ongoing evaluation.”

5. Miles is also looking forward to talking to the SEC about Florida’s controversial touchdown last week in which it appeared receiver Riley Cooper gained leverage on the play by grabbing a cornerback’s jersey.

As I said earlier this week, after benefiting greatly from a bogus celebration penalty two weeks ago, I think the Tigers should probably steer clear of crying about officials for a while. Just me.

6. On the basketball front, an already short-handed LSU team had a few too many injury concerns this summer.

7. Trent Johnson faces a tougher season this year than he did last year.

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Les Miles Teleconference 10/14/09

John — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:14:41 +0000

* The open week is going well for LSU. The Tigers still have a lot to play for the rest of the season.

* “Florida’s defense is getting better and better” by both strategy and talent. Les Miles believes Charlie Strong is “constantly stirring the pot” to make Florida’s defense better.

* LSU doesn’t have a team Twitter policy. As long as players represent their team and school well, Miles won’t get involved in that stuff.

* There are a lot of similarities between Florida’s 2008 and 2006 defenses.

* Miles thought that Florida’s secondary played very aggressively against LSU and “they sat on our routes at time.”

(I’m guessing Miles is getting tired of questions about Florida.)

* Miles believes that running the ball is important to any offense. (Big surprise.) LSU needs to run the ball better to “wear on” opposing defenses.

* Russell Shepard has been “under the weather.”

* Josh Jasper is a “tremendous competitor.” “A very talented kicker,” but his greatest strength is his ability to adjust to the Tigers’ gameplan each week.

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LSU Headlines – 10/14/09

John — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:12:40 +0000

1. Les Miles is still looking for answers after the Tigers’ worst offensive outing in nine years — 162 total yards against Florida.

2. Tailback Charles Scott says players are being called out and told to step up in hopes of avoiding a post-Florida collapse like the one that occurred last season.

3. On the basketball front, Trent Johnson has the Tigers in the Top 20 of two recruiting polls. But that might not be enough to help an inexperienced team this year.

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LSU Headlines – 10/13/09

John — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:46:28 +0000

1. Gary Laney of The Baton Rouge Advocate believes that LSU’s current quarterback woes can be traced back a few years.

2. LSU can still reach their preseason goals, but they’ll need better offensive line play and a few more Charles Scott runs to reach them. (I don’t think they can reach the BCS title goal, but that’s just me.)

3. Looking for a bright spot regarding the Tigers’ woefully ineffective offense? Recruits might just see some immediate opportunities for playing time.

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LSU Headlines – 10/12/09 (Some Priceless Stuff Today)

John — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:57:43 +0000

1. After apologizing to Tiger fans in his postgame press conference, Les Miles openly wondered if his offense should have tried to run the ball more against Florida on Saturday.

2. Randy Rosetta of The Baton Rouge Advocate writes, “The offense is a disaster and could cost the Tigers games against anybody they play if the ship isn’t righted drastically and immediately.”

A reminder: LSU is 5-1 and their only loss was to the #1 team in the country.

3. The Gators snuffed out quite a few Tiger streaks on Saturday.

4. James Varney of The New Orleans Times-Picayune writes that, “week after week, LSU coach Les Miles expresses a sort of baffling helplessness.”

A reminder: LSU is #10 in the nation.

5. How ’bout the fact LSU announced a $50,000 raise for offensive coordinator Gary Crowton one day before the Tigers scored just three points on the Gators. That’s why raises need to come in the middle of the summer.

6. Some LSU folks are taking issue with a call that wasn’t made against Florida on the game’s lone touchdown Saturday.

A reminder: Everything comes out in the wash. After getting aid from the refs in Athens last weekend, Tiger fans (and coaches) might want to hold their tongues about bad officiating.

7. Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett Louisiana writes that Tim Tebow is the most interesting man in the world.

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Tebow’s performance sparks Gators

admin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:11:34 +0000

After two weeks of nonstop speculation, after scores of tedious medical tests, after three hours of head-slamming Southeastern Conference football — played before two bands, an ear-splitting public-address system and the largest crowd to watch a home football game in LSU history — Florida quarterback Tim Tebow walked into a cramped, stuffy room in the southeast corner of Tiger Stadium late Saturday night.

(more)

Once again, the LSU-Florida game will determine which team is a serious contender for the national championship

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:49:38 +0000

Tigers eager to pay back Gators for last year’s rout at The Swamp
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LSU Headlines – 10/9/09

John — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:38:19 +0000

1. Florida’s defensive players are hoping to avoid a repeat of their 28-24 loss at LSU in 2007.

2. Urban Meyer says his defense is built on intensity and effort.

3. This notes column reveals that LSU is 2-8-1 all-time versus #1 teams… and that Meyer is 28-3 when he has more than a week to prepare for an opponent.

4. CBS’ Gary Danielson says LSU’s talent “is equal to or better than anybody else in the SEC at a lot of different levels.”

5. Charles Scott loves the “all beat up” feeling that comes from being LSU’s top tailback.

6. Scott also hopes that his teammates remember what it was like last year when Florida “smacked (LSU) in the mouth.”

7. Someone paid $15,600 to spend gameday with the Tiger team and to watch the game from the press box with AD Joe Alleva.

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LSU Headlines – 10/8/09

John — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:17:12 +0000

1. The guys involved in LSU’s ground attack have renewed confidence after last week’s Georgia game.

2. Tailback Charles Scott said, “I played all out, relentless. It was kind of like I was mad.”

Great. Now I’ll have this song in my head all day. Allow me torture you as well.

3. Are the Tigers BCS title contenders? Not yet according to Randy Rosetta of The Baton Rouge Advocate.

4. According to this notes column, this will be the 11th meeting in history between the previous national champions. The reigning champ is 4-5-1 in the previous 10 matchups.

5. LSU is asking fans to be on their best behavior on Saturday night.

Yeah, attacks on team buses should be limited to mobs of 100 people or fewer.

6. Urban Meyer is more worried about the guys in purple and gold than he is the mystique of Tiger Stadium.

7. Les Miles is a perfect 21-0 in night games played in Baton Rouge.

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Les Miles Teleconference 10/7/09

John — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:11:32 +0000

Main points from Les Miles’ teleconference:

* Happy with where his team is and how they approach their business.

* What makes Tiger Stadium so tough for visiting teams? The passion of LSU fans.

* Having “a team that can attack you in several different ways” also helps to make Death Valley tough.

* Felt like his team’s defense played “as strong a half as I’ve been around” last week at Georgia. “There’s a culture of great defense here. And our players understand that.”

* Asked about defensive coordinator John Chavis, Miles said, “John has a great confidence about his strategy and knowledge.” “The newness wore off very quickly,” meaning that it now feels like Chavis has been around for some time.

* Miles is preparing for Florida’s offense, not for a specific quarterback. He admitted that it would be easier to know who will start for Florida. “You don’t know the characterisic of the quarterback taking the snap.”

* “Our focus is what Florida does. I would expect that there would be some similarities in their calls.”

* John Brantley “can throw it pretty well and he’s a pretty nimble, fleet-footed guy.”

* Asked what he expects on Saturday, Miles said, “great energy,” “great football,” and “It appears to be one of the makings of a great football game.”

* Miles expects the crowd to be just as wild as they were for the 2007 Florida game.

* The team gets excited whenever a night game is announced for Tiger Stadium.

* Get ready for everyone to be asked about the celebration/unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Miles simply said he wants his team to celebrate wisely.

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LSU Headlines – 10/7/09

John — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:50:15 +0000

1. LSU’s defense has not recorded a sack in their last three games.

2. John Chavis won’t be using Monte Kiffin’s much-hyped gameplan to slow down Florida. “We’ve got a pretty good idea of what we want to do and how we want to go about doing it.

3. Chavis’ experience of going against Florida every season (while at Tennessee) should help the Tigers this weekend.

4. Peter Finney of The New Orleans Times-Picayune doesn’t believe Tim Tebow will play on Saturday.

5. If he doesn’t, then all the pressure falls on backup quarterback John Brantley.

6. Les Miles says he enjoys the atmosphere surrounding big games.

7. He might have some company this week as LSU is auctioning off the opportunity for two fans to take part in a number of gameday traditions this weekend.

8. Tickets for Tigers Vs. Gators are hard to come by.

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LSU Headlines – 10/6/09

John — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:04:50 +0000

1. Les Miles wants to see Tim Tebow on the field Saturday “if he’s healthy and capable.”

2. LSU is trying to prepare for both Tebow and John Brantley.

3. According to this notes column, LSU still has three unbeaten teams left on their schedule: Florida, Auburn and Alabama.

4. The Tigers are fired up over their comeback against Georgia… and about hosting top-ranked Florida.

5. LSU’s players join their coach in hoping that Tebow plays on Saturday.

6. Hurling. Yakking. Tossing lunch. That’s pretty much what LSU’s offensive guards were doing during the Georgia game. And their teammates aren’t letting them forget it.

7. Speaking of forgetting, Florida’s players haven’t forgotten their 2007 loss in Baton Rouge.

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