To see a video from Miles’ press conference, click here.
LSU coach Les Miles addressed the media Wednesday for the first time concerning sophomore quarterback Andrew Hatch’s lower leg injury.Hatch sustained the injury in Saturday’s 52-38 loss to Georgia and has since been seen walking on crutches across campus. Miles said Hatch has not practiced this week.”We really expected it to respond well earlier, and that hasn’t happened,” Miles said. “I think [his status] is more doubtful for this game.”Hatch started the first three games of the season before leaving the Auburn game with a concussion. He has completed 25-of-45 passes for 282 yards and rushed for 129 yards.Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee assumed the starting role after leading LSU to a comeback win at Auburn. He ranks No. 3 in pass efficiency in the Southeastern Conference but struggled against Georgia with three interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns.With Hatch’s uncertain status, true freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson is expected to supplement Lee’s play.Miles said Jefferson has taken “a lot of reps” in practice this week in preparation for the Tigers’ 7 p.m. game Saturday against Tulane.Miles previously considered requesting a medical redshirt for Jefferson, who played in the North Texas and Mississippi State games for a handful of snaps.For Jefferson to qualify for the NCAA’s “hardship waiver” redshirt, he must have sustained an “incapacitating” injury or illness in the first half of the season and played in less than 20 percent of LSU’s regular season games. Miles said Jefferson suffered a documented shoulder injury during the Mississippi State game but became healthy enough to play about eight to 10 days ago.Miles said he “cannot speculate” about Jefferson’s participation Saturday.”I hope like heck that we get the good fortune to play him,” he said. “It’s most likely that he will not be redshirted.”EYE ON THE OPPONENTMiles said he’s not overlooking the Green Wave, especially after they gave LSU quite a fight in last season’s Sept. 29 game.LSU entered the half leading 10-9 and held just a 20-9 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The final score was 34-9.”We understand that they will play their finest, give their best effort and play lights out,” he said. “We understand that they will play us with every effort. We look forward to that.”HALLOWEEN HAND-OUTSThe coaching staff’s children dressed in costumes and visited practice Wednesday to pass out treats to LSU football players.Miles chose not to partake in the costumed fun. He instead passed out candy to reporters and reminisced jokingly about dressing as a woman for past Halloweens.”The older I get, the more I enjoy other people dressing up,” he said. “I was the consummate candy gatherer.”—-Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]