Experiencing a passing drought against Vanderbilt and Alabama in the past two games, LSU coach Nick Saban said at Wednesday’s press gathering he is excited with the offense’s improvement in practice this week.
The Tigers have completed 12-of-25 passes for 193 yards in the past two games, letting the rushing game carry the load with 465 yards.
“I’ve been really encouraged by the spirit and enthusiasm that we have on offense,” Saban said. “I think we’re gaining a little confidence in what we’re doing. And I think we’re making some improvements in the passing game, and hopefully we’ll be able to continue to do that and establish a few more playmakers in the game.”
With Saturday’s game being senior day, Saban said he has not decided whether Marcus Randall will actually play first at quarterback but considers the fifth-year senior the best quarterback.
“I haven’t really looked at it from that perspective, but I think it’s a perspective that should be taken into consideration relative to the game and all that,” Saban said. “But I also feel like Marcus Randall is our starting quarterback whether he starts the game or not.”
Redshirt freshman JaMarcus Russell got the start in the Tigers’ 26-10 win over Alabama last week and had more snaps from the line of scrimmage than Randall.
Saban said Randall’s time was limited because he performed poorly in the game, completing only 1-of-4 passes for negative-one yard.
“I don’t think he played as well in that game as he has in the past,” Saban said. “We discussed that and maybe why and what his feelings were and I’m not sure what caused that. I know he was a little disappointed in it. We were a little disappointed in it. We have a lot of expectations for what he brings and what he does when he goes in the game. He didn’t feel and I didn’t feel.”
Defensively, Saban said the Tigers have struggled preparing for Ole Miss’ rotating quarterback system with each quarterback posing different threats.
Rebels quarterbacks Robert Lane and Michael Spurlock have scrambled for a combined 312 rushing yards this season, while Ethan Flatt is a drop-back passer with 1,425 yards through the air.
“I think this is like a dual preparation,” Saban said. “The combination of those two things has made [it] a little bit more difficult preparation for us defensively, and I think we’ve made more mental errors than I would be happy about. But I also know that the volume of what we’re trying to do is probably more than what they’re used to because they’ve got two different kind of philosophies working behind each quarterback.”
 
Notes:
Tigers cornerback Jessie Daniels remained in a red practice jersey through Wednesday’s practice to minimize hits to his wrist but should play against Ole Miss. Linebacker Luke Sanders (shoulder) remains sidelined and will not play in the game.
Wide receiver Xavier Carter and defensive back Mario Stevenson continue to rehabilitate from their injuries as both of them have been participating in dry-land running this week. Saban said he does not expect them to play soon but will monitor their progress throughout the remainder of the season.