Following the LSU football team’s final intra-squad scrimmage before the Tigers’ first game Sept. 1, Coach Les Miles praised his new-look offense led by junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Miles said Mettenberger had a productive outing, completing 26 of 36 passes for 336 yards and several touchdowns in a scrimmage where the Tigers focused on red zone opportunities. Mettenberger had a single blemish in his final scrimmage, throwing one pick. Junior running backs Michael Ford and Spencer Ware did not participate in Tuesday’s scrimmage. Each are nursing undisclosed injuries, but Miles said he expects both to be healthy before the Tigers’ matchup with North Texas. Ford and Ware are LSU’s top two returning rushers. Last season, they combined for 1,463 yards – more than half the Tigers’ rushing yards in 2011. Miles said the other backs performed well Tuesday, led by sophomore Kenny Hilliard. Miles also praised the performances of multiple freshmen in Tuesday’s scrimmage, including Jalen Mills and Jalen Collins who are Tyrann Mathieu’s presumed replacements. “I think Jalen Collins and [Jalen] Mills are going to be very, very good corners,” Miles said. Miles said he’s also comfortable with the Tigers’ punt returner options after Mathieu’s dismissal. Sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is slated to replace Mathieu in returning punts with sophomore Jarvis Landry also seeing time at the position. “I’m not afraid of Beckham being back there in any way,” Miles said. “Landry as well. Both guys have tremendous ball skills.” On defense, Miles said freshman linebacker Kwon Alexander made multiple big plays Tuesday and looks to see significant playing time this fall. The Tigers may need Alexander to make an immediate impact this season with linebacker being the Tigers’ least experienced position. With little more than a week until game day, Miles said his team is looking forward to taking the field in a game that actually counts. “I think there’s a quality chip on their shoulder for play,” Miles said.
 
—- Contact Spencer Hutchinson at [email protected]