The LSU football team “did not just air it out” at its scrimmage on Saturday, coach Les Miles said after the 100-play workout.
The running backs combined for 163 yards on 35 carries with junior Stevan Ridley leading the way with 52 yards on six carries. Senior Richard Murphy followed with 45 yards on six rushes and true freshman Spencer Ware added 29 yards on eight carries.
Freshman Alfred Blue added 25 yards on seven rushes. Fellow freshman Jakhari Gore participated after suffering a soft tissue injury this week, but he did not record a carry.
Junior quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee both went 4-for-9 on the day. Lee had 82 yards passing and a touchdown, and Jefferson recorded 63 yards and an interception.
“Both quarterbacks played well at times,” Miles said. “The defense is awfully good against the pass. Those corners had some really good days.”
In particular, junior cornerback Patrick Peterson picked off a Jefferson pass and ran 64 yards for a touchdown. The defense also recovered a fumble, Miles said.
The most notable inactive player for the scrimmage was junior linebacker Ryan Baker, who broke his jaw in a collision with a player’s helmet Friday. Miles said Baker’s jaw was wired, but he was able to communicate still.
Miles predicted a return timetable for Baker at about three weeks.
Belle Chasse alumnus James Wright drew praise from Miles after his performance in the scrimmage, as the freshman tallied two catches for 65 yards and a 42-yard touchdown. Senior Terrence Toliver also caught two passes for 21 yards, and sophomore Russell Shepard caught one ball for 18 yards.
“There were much fewer issues with the play calling today,” Miles said.
Freshman quarterback Zach Lee’s Major League Baseball fate will be determined by Monday night. Miles said Lee got several snaps in the scrimmage.
“He really can throw it, he’s really bright and has great moxie,” Miles said.
—-Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected].