To see a video of Miles’ press conference, click here.LSU football coach Les Miles feels a little sorry for Tim Tebow.Miles said Monday he is “saddened” the Florida senior quarterback suffered a concussion Sept. 26, and he said the No. 1 Gators will be a formidable offense regardless of who is the starting quarterback Saturday at 7 p.m. in Tiger Stadium.”That’s the worst thing about college football — you don’t want injury for your opponent or yourself,” Miles said. “I’m certain they’ll do the right things with [Tebow].” Florida coach Urban Meyer said at his weekly press conference Monday that Tebow’s post-concussion headache “has been gone for several days now,” but he has not been cleared to practice yet, making Tebow’s status against No. 4 LSU uncertain. Tebow’s backup is redshirt sophomore John Brantley, who is 22-for-30 for 232 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions on the season. Brantley leads the Southeastern Conference in passing efficiency with a 73 percent completion rate. “I’m told Brantley has good feet, can move and run the football, as well,” Miles said. “I want [Florida] to do whatever they need to do for that week. Tim Tebow is great for football … If he’s healthy and capable, we’d love to compete against him.”On LSU’s offensive side, senior running back Charles Scott was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career. But sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson was sacked six times against Georgia, and Miles said it is imperative for the team to increase its red zone production.”There were some times there were some open guys we needed to get to, and there were some times where there was pressure, and [Jefferson] had to move his feet,” Miles said. “We need to be not so ambitious in our first trip down the field.”Freshman wide receiver Rueben Randle caught two passes for 28 yards, and Miles said Randle “came of age” on the road Saturday.”He’ll get more opportunities,” Miles said. “As we go forward in his career, the key is when called upon and irrespective of what team we’re playing, he makes those plays.”Defensively, the Tigers have five sacks in five games this season and none in the past three weeks.”If the defense plays like they did [against Georgia], I’ll accept the inability to get to the passer,” Miles said. “That first half was maybe the best defensive half I’ve been around.”Both LSU and Georgia were penalized for excessive celebration after fourth-quarter touchdowns, causing them to kick off from the 15-yard line. Miles said he understands the league’s ruling on such infractions.”It’s our responsibility to get our team back, and there is a point in time when there is a legitimate celebration with our teammates,” Miles said. “I will teach it better and hope we don’t have that penalty happen to us again.”—-Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]
Football: Miles says Florida still a formidable force without Tebow
October 5, 2009