The LSU football team answered questions about moving from the Mississippi State game and onto the challenge of Florida in Monday night’s media session. Junior receiver Jarvis Landry left practice in a boot and using crutches, and student-coach Josh Williford clarified his new role on the team.
Landry was seen limping to his car outside of the Indoor Practice Facility with the help of crutches and a boot on his foot.
The Tiger leader in receptions and touchdowns, Landry should be ready to go by Saturday, according to LSU coach Les Miles.
LSU’s Associate Sports Information Director Bill Martin said Landry’s boot and crutches were merely a precautionary measure.
Williford speaks to media about new role on the team
Williford suffered a severe concussion during summer practice — just a few months after sustaining a concussion in the Florida game last season — and was advised by the LSU training staff to hang up his cleats.
He then took up a student-coach role on the team and has been helping the offensive line in practice throughout the season.
“I help [offensive line coach Greg Studrawa] wherever he needs me,” Williford said. “I help run the scout team offense as well, sure they can never say ‘Oh I’ve never seen this before,’ and that’s basically what I do.”
Williford said the thing he misses the most is being able to run out with the team, and being on the sidelines can be tough sometimes.
“Whenever someone goes down, you just want to get out there and help them,” Williford said. “I would obviously love to be back out there, but I need to do what’s best for me medically.”
Former LSU defensive lineman Josh Downs also assists the team in a similar role.
Mettenberger tries to forget Starkville, looks forward to Florida
Senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger really doesn’t like the city of Starkville.
After dealing with the sweet sound of cowbells throughout the game, Mettenberger didn’t mince words when speaking on the
experience.
“I can honestly say [Starkville] is the most annoying place to play in the SEC,” Mettenberger said. “Their fans — that’s just their deal — it’s what makes them unique. Fortunately for us, we were able to have some big plays and kind of quiet them down.”
He heaped high praise on the Florida defense he will be facing Saturday, though.
Mettenberger said the Gator defense was one of the fastest and strongest in the SEC and it poses a difficult challenge with its combination of size and speed.
When asked if he put any thought into his outside hopes at the Heisman Trophy, Mettenberger said he relies on his teammates to make him look good.
“This game is first and foremost a team sport,” Mettenberger said. “I, being a pocket passer who runs a 5.2 [second] 40, I can’t make a lot of plays by myself. I need the people around me.”