After an emotional 44-41 loss to Georgia, LSU football coach Les Miles told members of the media Monday he looks forward to a change in focus as the Tigers prepare for their upcoming game against Mississippi State.
He also recapped what many are calling an instant classic game at his weekly press luncheon.
“After a game like that, hard-fought, et cetera, we need about 48 hours,” Miles said. “About 4 this afternoon, we’ll go on to the next opponent. I insist that we do that. It’s certainly best for us.”
Miles said he anticipates no hangover for LSU after the loss, calling Mississippi State (2-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) “a great challenge.”
Mississippi State will likely present a more significant challenge to LSU’s offense than Georgia, as the Bulldogs enter the week as the SEC’s No. 2 defense, allowing 310 offensive yards and less than 15 points per game.
“There is not a chance that we will be looking ahead,” Miles said. “This is a program, like most programs, when they get to the end of the week, they really need to have a victory. The work they put in is so significant, this will not be a difficult week for us to get our eyes open to how quality the opponent is.”
Despite the loss, he praised LSU’s (4-1, 1-1 SEC) play in a hostile environment, claiming it was one play away from returning to Baton Rouge the victor.
He lauded the performance of LSU senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who had a career game with 372 passing yards and three touchdowns in his return to Sanford Stadium.
Miles said Mettenberger put his personal views “on the back burner” and only focused on being the Tigers’ quarterback.
Miles speculated the Tigers’ defensive woes Saturday could be contributed to players trying to do too much, and the poor performance does not yet warrant major changes in defensive personnel.
For the future, Miles said he will try to implement more younger players into the Tigers’ defensive scheme to prevent fatigue among starters.
“We’re looking for those guys that can come in and give five-snap breaks, if you will,” Miles said. “If we can get that done, that will make the whole defense a little bit fresher.”
“After a game like that, hard-fought, et cetera, we need about 48 hours. About 4:00 this afternoon, we’ll go on to the next opponent. I insist that we do that. It’s certainly best for us.”
Football: Tigers put loss behind them, look forward to Mississippi State
By Tyler Nunez
September 30, 2013