The combination of North Texas and hurricanes is becoming old hat for Les Miles. As the Tigers prepare for their season opener against the Mean Green, preparations are now extending beyond the gridiron’s scope for a third time in Miles’ tenure, with Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on Louisiana. “The good news is we’ve been through this before,” Miles said. “What we’ll do [Tuesday] when they arrive at the building, we’ll have very specific orders and suggestions. It’s a pretty simple view given some choices of where they might stay and hunker down and let’s see what happens after.” LSU also had to switch a season opener against North Texas in 2005, Miles’ first season, due to the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Athletic Director Joe Alleva said in a statement Monday afternoon that the game is still scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, but the situation will be continually evaluated throughout the next several days. Before Alleva made that statement, Miles said LSU was preparing like a normal game week, touting the Mean Green as a feisty opponent. “The reality of this game for us is that North Texas does absolutely pose a tremendous challenge to us, and we have to be ready,” Miles said. “But it also puts us in the position of starting the year and where are we. Are we in the position to play four quarters of quality football?” The Tigers may have to take on that challenge without two experienced contributors. Junior running back Michael Ford and junior linebacker Tahj Jones are dealing with academic issues that could indefinitely hinder their eligibility, Miles confirmed Monday. “There is some appeal process that’s being undertaken for those guys,” Miles said. “We’ll kind of have to wait and see how that all turns out as we get closer to the game.” LSU also released a depth chart prior to Miles’ weekly luncheon, complete with a few mild surprises. Junior James Wright earned the starting wide receiver spot opposite sophomore Odell Beckham Jr., junior Alfred Blue and sophomore Kenny Hilliard will serve as co-starters at running back and redshirt freshman Stephen Rivers nabbed the No. 2 quarterback spot over Penn State transfer Rob Bolden. On defense, senior Josh Downs beat out sophomore Ego Ferguson at defensive tackle, junior Luke Muncie bested Jones at the Sam linebacker spot and a pair of freshman named Jalen, Mills and Collins will man the left cornerback position. Miles indicated that Jones’ potential absence could open up playing time in an already inexperienced linebacking corps. “[Freshmen] Kwon Alexander, Deion Jones, I think those two guys by in large have taken coaching fast enough to get to the field,” Miles said. “As much as anything, that’s the key piece. All six [freshmen linebackers] are talented guys.”
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