LSU held its annual spring game Saturday under cloudy skies and chilly temperatures.
Playing in Tiger Stadium for the first time since Nov. 23, the Tigers split into two squads. The White team consisted mostly of first-teamers. The second unit suited up for the Purple team.
LSU coach Les Miles said although positive strides were made in Saturday’s game, he did not deem the game a success.
“I felt like the spring game got an incomplete,” he said. “It’s not exactly what we want, but I think we got a lot accomplished.”
The White team cruised to a 38-10 victory most in part because of a strong rushing performance from sophomore running back Richard Murphy.
Murphy, who began the game as a backup to junior running back Keiland Williams, rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns after Williams was benched because of a first-quarter fumble.
Senior center Brett Helms had high praise for Murphy.
“Wow,” he said. “That’s all I can say. That guy tore it up. I knew he was that good, and I was waiting for it to come out. It showed [Saturday].”
The Purple team was the first to draw blood Saturday, taking a 7-0 lead on an 8-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Andrew Hatch.
Hatch, who teammates said is more of a running quarterback, connected with junior wide receiver Jared Mitchell in the corner of the end zone after scrambling to his left to avoid the oncoming pass rush.
“Hatch is … more of a mobile quarterback,” said senior wide receiver Demetrius Byrd. “He can get it out in the open field and run with it.”
With junior quarterback Ryan Perrilloux watching from the sidelines, Lee and Hatch received the bulk of the snaps and split time between both teams.
Hatch completed 13-of-17 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Lee connected on 7-of-13 passes for 181 yards and two scores.
Lee’s biggest play of the afternoon came on the opening drive of the second half. The Brenham, Texas native spotted Byrd streaking down the middle of the field on first-and-10 from his own 43-yard line.
Lee lofted a perfect spiral into Byrd’s hands for a 57-yard touchdown. It was his longest completion of the day.
Miles said he felt comfortable with the way both quarterbacks competed.
“I enjoyed the way Hatch managed the game, and I felt like Lee got in the groove and started making plays,” he said. “Both guys can come in and play.”
Byrd, who led all receivers with four catches for 132 yards and one touchdown, said he was happy with the progression of both quarterbacks.
“They got a lot accomplished,” he said. “I think they really got something out of this game. It let them know what they’ve got going into the summer and next season.”
Junior safety Danny McCray led the White team with six tackles.
Pacing the Purple team defensively was Lavarius Levingston, who posted four tackles, including three for a loss and one sack.
“I can tell you, on the defensive side, we are nicked up pretty good,” Miles said. “There really isn’t a full contingent of linebackers, and I felt the defense would have played better if the linebackers would have been intact. I think they did well anyway.”
—-Contact James Rees at [email protected]