LSU football coach Les Miles said on Wednesday the Tigers’ enthusiasm is intensifying almost too much as their matchup against Alabama draws near.”We had a good practice today … a little too much contact,” Miles said. “They need to slow down a little bit.”Miles said sophomore cornerback Patrick Peterson practiced Wednesday after being limited with the flu on Tuesday. Peterson had four tackles against Alabama last season and made the first start of his college career the following weekend against Troy.”He is more  confident, understands the scheme more and has much better technique,” Miles said. “It’s a great challenge, a compliment to a competitor that you play your best. This is a rivalry game — it’s fun.”Miles said LSU and Alabama will battle to score points Saturday. He said junior kicker Josh Jasper’s range “has always been long” to convert field goals if necessary.”The keys will be the opportunity to get seven [points],” Miles said. “That’s what we’re playing for. But once you’re in that red zone, you have to at least ensure yourself of three [points].”Miles said sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson will have no problem keeping his composure going into a matchup of the top two teams in the Southeastern Conference Western Division.”Jordan has played in big games before,” Miles said. “This is no more than one like that. I tell him to play like you play and enjoy yourself.”LSU has not lost on the road against Alabama this decade. Miles said there is no particular reason for the Tigers’ success in Tuscaloosa, Ala.”If there was anything real specific, I would know what it was,” Miles said. “Our guys play big in big games. I have enjoyed the atmosphere of Bryant-Denny Stadium.”The LSU scoring defense moved up to No. 7 in the nation and No. 3 in the SEC following its 42-0 blanking of Tulane on Oct. 31. LSU allowed an average of 12.1 points per game in its first eight games.Alabama is No. 5 nationally and No. 2 in the conference in scoring defense, surrendering just 11.4 points per game. 
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