LSU coach Les Miles denied the fatigue from the two-hour time difference between Baton Rouge and Seattle caused the defense’s numerous missed tackles.”Being tired wasn’t necessarily the issue,” Miles said. “We did give thought to that, and a very specific plan was put in place to adjust our sleep patterns. It was nice to see … our defense really managing the game the back half.”But the LSU football team prevailed against Washington by eight points Saturday, sending the Huskies to their 15th consecutive loss.But LSU coach Les Miles said Monday that communication issues on offense and missed tackles on defense were keys to the Tigers falling behind early.”We accomplished the goal — to overcome the new era of Washington football,” Miles said. “That being said, early on, if we had tackled more crisply, the game is much different.”The LSU offense was on the field for only 48 plays against a Washington defense ranked No. 110 in 2008, allowing 452 yards per game. Miles said the coaching staff planned to play true freshman quarterback Russell Shepard in the season opener. But with LSU down early, Miles said he didn’t want to put Shepard in a pressure situation.”Down seven, we wanted to make sure we held the ball with great efficiency and didn’t make mistakes,” Miles said. “We didn’t think it was fair to put a true freshman in the game at that point.”Miles was impressed with the play of sophomore cornerback Patrick Peterson and senior linebacker Jacob Cutrera, who returned an interception for a touchdown Saturday.”Peterson had nine unassisted tackles and was in position most of the game to make plays,” Miles said. “That’s a start of a lot of Saturdays for him. And it’s no surprise to me that Jacob Cutrera played like he did.”Miles said he is not concerned about the defense’s slow start, as defensive coordinator John Chavis’ revamped unit allowed 296 total yards to Husky   quarterback Jake Locker and the Washington offense in the first half.”It’s time to enjoy the development of the defense,” Miles said. “Our first game out of the chute, we played probably one of the best quarterbacks we’ll see all season long.”Miles said the Tigers will have another tall task ahead of them when Vanderbilt comes to Baton Rouge. The Commodores amassed 620 yards of total offense in their 45-0 rout of Western Carolina on Saturday, their first shutout since 1999.”Vanderbilt returns 18 starters, and Bobby Johnson does a great job in coaching,” Miles said. “We’ll look forward to hosting them this Saturday in Tiger Stadium in a game that counts more because it’s an SEC opponent.” INJURY UPDATEJunior defensive end Lazarius Levingston left the game Saturday, but Miles said his injury is “not terribly serious,” and surgery won’t be necessary.Miles did not specify what the injury was.”It’s one that may keep him out of the next game, but I’ll have to let you know on a week-by-week or day-by-day basis because it’s really been good news.”————Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]