For the second time in three weeks, LSU coach Les Miles approached the podium for his weekly “Lunch with Les” press conference following a bye week.
Miles opened with a tribute to the late Joe Dean, the LSU Athletic Director from 1987 to 2001, who died Sunday at age 83.
“I think the path that we’re on here at the Athletic Department is based on his vision and what he saw a major college athletics department consist of,” Miles said. “Everybody knows his famous line, calling basketball games ‘string music.’ We want to say thanks and remember him.”
His focus quickly shifted to the next opponent entering Tiger Stadium. No. 10 Texas A&M brings a potent offense led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.
The Aggies are currently ranked No. 3 in the nation in total offense, averaging 578 yards per game. Saturday’s contest should prove to be another challenge for a young Tigers’ defense that has struggled against the likes of Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama this season. All three of these offenses rank lower than Texas A&M in total offense.
Miles said he is looking forward to the difficult task ahead, and he feels his defense can live up to it.
“I want the defense to stop them,” Miles said. “I like my defense, and I suspect they’ll play best in this game. It’s a much different environment [in Tiger Stadium] and a place where the home team generally does pretty good.”
A year ago, the LSU defense shut down Manziel more effectively than any other opponent he faced last season, forcing five Aggie turnovers en route to a 24-19 victory at Kyle Field.
Miles said he intends to use a similar game plan on defense Saturday, and it will require his squad to be physically prepared for a fast-paced opposing offense.
“You’re going to have to be in shape, and you’re going to have to get yourself off the field defensively,” Miles said. “We are going to play at least two-deep, and in some spots even play three-deep to keep the rotation fresh.”
Miles lauded Manziel’s ability as a dual-threat quarterback. The sophomore has thrown for 3,313 yards and 31 touchdowns, completing 73 percent of his passes. He has also rushed 110 times for 611 yards and eight touchdowns through 10 games.
“If there’s a better player in college football, I’d like to know who he is,” Miles said. “He’s a very, very talented guy, and he’s not by himself. [He is] a guy that has extremely quality hands and the speed and ability to get open. He’s going to be a great challenge for us, and I think our guys are looking forward to it.”
Offensively, the Tigers will try to keep pace with senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger under center.
Mettenberger suffered a contusion in his ankle during the Alabama game, but Miles said his quarterback practiced and will be ready to play this weekend.
Miles said he feels the Tigers’ offense can go blow-for-blow with the Aggies’ attack.
“What we’re looking to do certainly is maintain the ball and drive the length of the field,” Miles said. “You have to score. We’re looking forward to that, and we think we can operate our offense in such a manner that will give them an equal challenge. I think it will be an interesting matchup.”