To see a video on Les Miles’ press conference, click here.
“The big hump” is what junior wide receiver Brandon LaFell calls the Tigers’ trio of upcoming games.The three-game punch of Florida, Alabama and Georgia is just a piece of the Tigers’ eight-game stretch to end the regular season.The gauntlet kicks off in grand fashion for the Tigers — facing No. 11 Florida in The Swamp at 7 p.m. Saturday on CBS. Senior offensive guard Herman Johnson knows the road will be long, and he’s taking steps to keep his endurance through the rest of the season.”There are no more breaks,” he said. “We cannot take any game lightly. I’m dedicating a few nights out of each week just to rest up.”LEE’S THE MANMiles said redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Lee will likely start Saturday’s game, but sophomore Andrew Hatch is expected to earn playing time as well.Hatch started the Tigers’ first three games but has not played since leaving the Auburn game because of a concussion. He sat out against Mississippi State but returned to practice last week.”I have no limitations,” Hatch said. “I’ve been good. I’m just going to see how it goes. Things happen, but I’ve moved on, and we’ll both be ready.”REARING TO GOLSU coach Les Miles tried to enjoy his weekend off. He spent Saturday morning watching sons Ben and Manny play in their football games. But once his sons’ games concluded, Miles felt a bit of a let down.”I didn’t feel very productive,” he said. “You get to Saturday and grind your teeth a bit because you watch someone else play, and it’s not as fun.”Miles likely couldn’t script a better challenge to get his team motivated after coming off a bye week.Saturday’s game against Florida marks the first time the two most recent BCS national championship teams will meet. “I can hardly wait,” Miles said. “Let’s play well, one game at a time, and let’s see where we stand at the end.”BECKWITH’S BACKSenior linebacker Darry Beckwith said he woke up Monday morning, and he felt good — 100 percent, to be exact.Beckwith has not played since injuring his knee Sept. 13 against North Texas. He started running full-speed late last week but did not participate in the Tigers’ scrimmage Thursday.”I’m ready to go,” Beckwith said. “I’m going to go full throttle.”Junior defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois and senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander, who both incurred minor injuries in the Mississippi State game, are expected to return to practice early this week.Monday’s practice was closed to the media.STREAK WATCHJunior running back Charles Scott, who has been nicknamed “Chuck the Truck,” enters this week with a four-game streak of 100-plus rushing yards. He leads the Southeastern Conference with 133.8 yards per game, averaging 7.5 yards a carry.If he breaks the 100-yard mark in Gainesville, Scott will be the first LSU back to do so in more than 25 years. In 1982, Dalton Hilliard rushed for 127 yards in LSU’s 24-13 win in The Swamp.—-Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]