Maybe a bye week was exactly what the doctor ordered for the LSU football team’s passing attack.
Entering the open date, LSU quarterbacks (minus a trick play) had thrown for a total of 192 passing yards with no touchdowns in their previous two contests.
LSU coach Les Miles played his best role as doctor in honor of Halloween to fine-tune a desperately ailing passing game.
“Our passing game looks like we’re throwing the football better in practice on a regular basis. … I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to throw it and catch it, and I’ve felt that way before, and I suspect it will come to fruition Saturday,” Miles said Wednesday.
Game day against Alabama is about 48 hours away, and Miles stressed the importance of translating the practice success to a game situation.
That translation could be key to keep Alabama’s offense,  which averages nearly 35 points per game, off the field.
“It puts real pressure on your need to execute,” Miles said. “You have to take your guys and get points.”
The Tigers will get the chance to execute in front of a nationally televised audience at 2:30 p.m. on CBS for the third time this season, much to the dismay of fans who feast on the nighttime atmosphere in Death Valley.
Even Miles chimed in on the early kickoff.
“Is there any chance that could happen, is there?” he joked. “I can’t imagine there will be a night game here, dadgummit. We’d love to be there. Like I said, we’ll play that one whenever it’s tied up.”
On the injury front, Miles said true freshman running back Alfred Blue has been practicing all week and will play Saturday.
Blue hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury against Florida. In six games, he accumulated 70 yards and a touchdown while also playing on special teams.
Miles also added he is “pretty optimistic” senior defensive tackle Lazarius Levingston will play Saturday.
Regardless of whether Levingston suits up, Miles said redshirt freshman defensive tackle Michael Brockers should see an increased role.
“He’s a big load, and I think they’ll have a tough time handling him,” Miles said of Brockers. “He’s looking forward to playing.”
Brockers has played in all eight games, recording 13 tackles and one tackle for loss.
 
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Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]