LSU football coach Les Miles on Wednesday predicted a “pretty aggressive rotation” on the offensive line for LSU’s game Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe.
Sophomore right tackle Alex Hurst left the Alabama game with an ankle injury, and junior Greg Shaw replaced him.
Junior offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert briefly left the Alabama game as well, replaced by redshirt freshman Josh Williford. Miles said Hebert “got a little nicked” but said he did seem to be seriously hurt.
“[The rotation] has involved T-Bob, Williford, [redshirt freshman tackle Chris Faulk] and Shaw,” Miles said. “Hurst may get a chance pretty quick, but we don’t know. I like how Greg Shaw played. I may start with him.”
The only long-term injury LSU suffered against Alabama was junior safety Brandon Taylor, who appeared to injure his ankle. Miles said Taylor is “legitimately” out, and true freshman Eric Reid and redshirt freshman Craig Loston will rotate in at safety Saturday.
Miles said sophomore cornerback Morris Claiborne practiced Wednesday after leaving with a possible head injury against Alabama. He should be ready to play Saturday.
Miles also said junior right guard Will Blackwell has been taking snaps in practice the past two weeks and could return soon after breaking his ankle in the season opener.
“It’s amazing. He’s worked really hard at rehabilitation,” Miles said. “His body has healed extremely well. I’m not ready to say he’s ready to take snaps in a game, but I think he will be soon.”
Miles would not comment extensively on the controversy surrounding Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and his recruitment.
Reports have surfaced that Newton and his father, Cecil, may have arranged a “pay for play” option for him to play at either Auburn or Mississippi State.
“I worry about the things I can control, first and foremost ULM,” Miles said. “I suspect there’s somebody with due diligence in mind working on those issues. I defer to those people who understand the process that’s going on, whether it’s people at Auburn or those who represent other interests.”
Miles also addressed the delay of game penalty called against LSU in the third quarter Saturday, saying the officials’ reasoning was giving Alabama time to counter LSU’s
offensive substitutions, although the umpire did not move away from the ball until the play clock had almost expired.
“Basically … they’re holding a certain amount of time to allow them to substitute, and then when that time is gone, you better snap it quickly if in fact the game clock is running down,” Miles said. “It’s tough to answer. We substituted a tailback last; the rest of our personnel were on the field.”
 
 
–
Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]