Lunch with Les: Prepping for Arkansas

Written by Richard Fischer

Monday, 21 November 2011 15:44

“Good division huh?” That’s was Les Miles’ response when asked about the fact that the BCS’s top three teams all reside in the SEC West. “I think it’s certainly a complement to the member institutions in the West,” Miles said. “I think there’s a very, very talented group of teams, a lot of pride for us.” But much more than just pride will be on the line when two of the top three square off in Death Valley Friday as top-ranked LSU hosts No. 3 Arkansas. The Hogs have scored more than 40 points in all of their last three games and are 13th in the nation and first in the SEC with 39.27 points per game for the season. Quarterback Tyler Wilson leads the Razorback attack with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions on the year. “He gets it out of his hand very quickly,” Miles said. “He makes real quality decisions. He has all the abilities, makes all the throws.” In order to get Wilson out of his comfort zone, Miles will turn to his coverage and pass rushing units. “You want to cover and make sure those receivers are covered, and then you want to get into his backfield as often as you can,” said the seventh-year coach. “The good news is, is that we think we have guys that can do that, and certainly that will be a challenge.” The Tigers should be up to the challenge with the nation’s second-best scoring defense at just 10 points allowed per game and fifth-best passing defense, surrendering only 158.27 passing yards per contest. Additionally, LSU is 25th nationally and second in the SEC with 2.45 sacks per game. However a lot will be riding on whether safeties Craig Loston and Eric Reid will be able to play Friday. After all, we all remember the Brandon Taylor effect in Little Rock last season. Loston has had a rough go in 2011 with a concussion earlier and most recently a hand injury, while Reid left the Ole Miss game with a quad injury, but Miles is optimistic for both. “We think Loston, and for that matter Reid, will both be ready. I think Reid is a bit more questionable,” said the headman. In their absence, LSU would likely turn to senior Derrick Bryant and true freshman Ronald Martin, who had his redshirt pulled against Ole Miss. Bryant led LSU with eight tackles versus the Rebels, while Martin chipped in with three stops and a pass breakup. “I think Derrick Bryant, certainly the veteran, and Ronald Martin played well enough Saturday to really expect some reps,” said the coach. Miles attributed his decision to pull Martin’s redshirt on his hard work in practice. “He’s a guy that’s really continued to improve,” Miles said. “We put him in a position to play and learn and take reps in practice, and he’s continued to get better. We’re wanting him to have the opportunity to step onto the field and play and really give us some significant reps as we go forward.” Apart from slowing down Wilson’s passing, another key for the Tigers Friday will be kickoff and punt coverage. The Hogs have been dynamite in the return game, bringing back three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns this year. “The punt return and the kickoff return both do a great job blocking and setting up those returns,” said Miles. “The good news is we have fast guys on that team for us, and that will be a nice matchup. We’ll hopefully have a number of our punt team down there covering those kicks and covering those punts very well.” As for LSU’s quarterback situation, Miles said, “I think both guys can look to play. Really it depends on how the style of the game goes.” Neither Jordan Jefferson nor Jarrett Lee have been available for interviews for several weeks, and when asked why that has been the case, Miles indicated the want to keep his signal callers focused. “I really have given thought to allowing them to be comfortable in their competition and relax and not have to deal with the scrutiny of the perimeter and really just playing to handle the plays that are called and enjoy the back end of their senior year. I’m sure there will be plenty of time for them to talk later in the season, but right now I just want them to focus on the games,” said the coach. Finally, Miles explained his decision to take a knee on the Ole Miss one-yard line with more than five minutes remaining on the clock. “We had victory. We frankly did not need to make that point any more,” he said. “We’ve really enjoyed the competition with Ole Miss, and for that matter, Houston Nutt. Once the game was decided, I think enough’s enough.” LSU kicks off against Arkansas at 1:30 p.m. Friday, and the game will be nationally televised on CBS.