With Saturday’s season finale against Arkansas looming, LSU football coach Les Miles has finally moved past one of the toughest periods of his tenure.
Miles drew the ire of the LSU fan base and the ridicule of the national media this week when a series of dubious decisions cost LSU a chance to beat Ole Miss.”I’d have to say that was an unusual time – a spotty period,” Miles said. “I do understand the rigors of this profession. There’s highs and lows … I’ve had a lot of people call me and visit with me about that. They’ve been very kind.” Now Miles must turn his attention to fielding an injury-depleted roster against an Arkansas team in the midst of a four-game win streak. With senior running backs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams sidelined, Miles may resort to drastic measures Saturday against the Razorbacks. Miles may consider pulling freshman running back Michael Ford’s redshirt if any more injuries should befall his backfield, but he said it would take “injuries to several” players —  namely, senior running back Trindon Holliday and sophomore running back Stevan Ridley —  to see the freshman enter the game. The Tigers have also been decimated at tight end, losing senior Richard Dickson and sophomore Mitch Joseph to injuries in recent games. ”Fortunately we’ve gotten good play put of [freshman tight end] Tyler Edwards, so that should help,” Miles said. “Mitch got some snaps today … Dickon practiced. We’re good.” LSU should see an improved situation for sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson as well. Jefferson has been hampered for three weeks by an ankle injury sustained against Alabama, but Miles expects to see an improvement in his young signal caller’s mobility. ”He was somewhat limited [against Ole Miss] but I think he was better than I would have hoped,” Miles said. “I think he’ll be improved going into the game and at any time during the game than he was a week ago.” Miles said the Tigers will practice early Thanksgiving morning before having a team meal. Any players who live within “about an hour and a half” of Baton Rouge will be allowed to go home for the rest of the holiday.   —-Contact David Helman at [email protected]