In his weekly Subway Fresh Take “Lunch with Les” luncheon, LSU coach Les Miles stepped up to the podium to recap No. 7 LSU’s 44-22 victory against Eastern Michigan University and preview its upcoming matchup against the University of South Carolina.
The Tigers (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) defeated Eastern Michigan 44-22 on Saturday in a lethargic performance for the then-No. 9 team in the nation, but Miles turns his focus to South Carolina.
South Carolina
Miles commended his opposing team and its coaching staff as the Tigers prepare to take on South Carolina (2-3, 0-3 SEC) at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
“We will have to play our best to win,” Miles said. “They will be well-coached, so we must be ready.”
As of Monday, South Carolina’s campus was closed due to flooding and class is canceled today. The Tigers expect to play their game on Saturday regardless of the weather, but Miles sent his regards to the victims of the flood.
“I’ve checked with my son and he said, ‘It’s been raining all the time,’” Miles said. “Obviously, those people are in a tough time in the winds of weather. I’m certain they will do great and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
South Carolina has an on-going quarterback competition, but Miles said he expects freshman Lorenzo Nunez to be the starting quarterback for the Gamecocks on Saturday morning.
“Our practice schedule and weekly schedule is mapped out for us,” Miles said. “I enjoy what we did. We got them up early and had them in bed early. It seemed to be the right recipe.”
Fournette and the LSU offense
The Tigers accumulated 399 rushing yards against Eastern Michigan — 233 of which came in the hands of sophomore running back Leonard Fournette.
Fournette, who rushed for more than 200 yards in three straight games, was not voted the SEC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time this season.
“Leonard Fournette is the first back to rush for over 200 yards in three straight games,” Miles said. “It’s nice to be a part of that. Our offensive line, fullbacks and wide receivers are blocking, all of which really lead to that. That’s why Leonard is having that success.”
In another grand performance by LSU’s stud sophomore, the Tigers’ passing game continued to struggle.
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris was 4-for-15 for 80 yards and one interception. Most of the incompletions though, were not his fault, Miles said.
“If we hadn’t drop balls, we could’ve scored two more touchdowns and maybe 150 yards of offense,” Miles said. “Brandon Harris is really doing the things we ask him to do. He’s on target, we just need to catch it. Our wide receivers really are posed to have a good year, and it was uncharacteristic of them to drop those balls.”
Injury Update
Senior linebacker Lamar Louis and junior defensive end Tashawn Bower are expected to play against South Carolina. Louis, who tweeted after the Eastern Michigan game that he suffered a concussion, missed the second half against the Eagles.
Bower did not play against Eastern Michigan because of an ankle injury he suffered on Sept. 26 against Syracuse University. Miles said Bower could have played against the Eagles, classifying his injury as a “minor nick.”
“We think Lamar will be fine for gameday,” Miles said. “He will return to play fairly quickly. We expect Tashawn to be back. He could’ve played on Saturday.”
Miles said senior tight end Dillon Gordon (Achilles) and senior safety Jalen Mills (left ankle) are listed as day-to-day.
“Dillon is working out today and wants to get back to the field very badly,” Miles said. “Jalen Mills and Dillon are day-to-day, so we are looking for a day to mark for these guys to return on the calendar.”