Tigers continue Auburn prep

Wednesday, 19 September 2012 18:59

LSU head coach Les Miles addressed the media Wednesday night in his typical post-practice gym shorts, T-shirt and gray windbreaker.

He was not a “Sharp Dressed Man.”

But that didn’t stop him from blaring some ZZ Top through the Charles McClendon Practice Facility speakers during practice Wednesday in anticipation of Saturday’s game at Auburn.

“We put some noise out there,” he explained. “We normally use a selection of music for a couple of periods, but when we’re on the road, we use them for the majority of practice.”

It was at that point that one reporter took offense to Miles calling ZZ Top noise, but “Sharp Dressed Man” was just one of several songs the coach played at a high decibel level to get his squad ready for Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday.

“I approved every selection. There was some Toby Keith. There was some guys that I don’t know the names of that also did a great just singing,” he said with a smile.

The first road game is also the first conference game for the Tigers, and Miles’ players have taken notice.

“I think they recognize that this is a game that’s significant not only in the Western Division but also in the conference,” said the headman.

The coach called today’s practice “a quality Wednesday.” Unlike most weeks, today was LSU’s second practice of the week after missing Monday’s go due to the campus-wide bomb threat. Miles said he isn’t sure if the team has caught up from the lost time, but he isn’t worried because his staff “over-coaches it” anyway.

“We never get to a game where we don’t feel that there’s something that we need to coach some more, and I think that’s exactly how we would always feel,” he said.

On the injury front, obviously running back Alfred Blue remains out for Saturday. Miles expects safety Craig Loston (toe) and wide receiver James Wright (shoulder) to play this weekend along with other slightly nicked players like running back Spencer Ware, defensive tackle Josh Downs and offensive linemen Josh Dworaczyk and P.J. Lonergan.

“James Wright really had a really good week of practice and can’t wait to get him on the field,” said the eighth-year coach.

The Bayou Bengals and War Eagles will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday, and the game will be televised on ESPN.