The LSU Tigers Had Football Scrimmages For First Time On Saturday

This past Saturday, LSU had its first full scale scrimmage of training camp.

At the LSU Indoor Practice Facility, head coach Les Miles put the fighting Tigers through a 100-play workout. 

Saturday's scrimmage was scripted and worked on all phases of the game. In addition to the 100 offensive snaps, LSU also went through nearly 30 special teams plays during the workout. Statistics for the scrimmage were not released.

"It was a good long go," Miles said. "We got a lot accomplished. We're not ready to play a game. We're ways away from that. Frankly, we improved and are on the right path.

Miles complimented both the offense and defense as big plays were made on both sides of the ball. The offense combined to throw for over 300 yards and added another 200 rushing yards. Miles said senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson completed 10 of 15 passes for close to 150 yards, while Jarrett Lee connected on 15 of 20 passes for 160 yards. Jefferson and Lee each threw a TD pass.

"Both Jordan and Jarrett threw the ball well," Miles said. "Mettenberger had a decent day throwing the ball as well. We did some good things in both the passing and running game. We're a little nicked in the offensive line, but the young guys stepped in there and gave us what we needed for the practice. We'll get the older guys back out on Monday."

Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle led the Tigers in receiving with five catches each. Sheppard scored on a pass from Jefferson. Spencer Ware was the leading rusher for the Tigers.

"I thought Russell had a really good day," Miles said. "He caught the ball well and he had a long touchdown reception from Jordan."

Defensively, Miles singled out the play of defensive tackle Michael Brockers, defensive ends Lavar Edwards and Barkevious Mingo and safety Craig Loston.

"I like the way Michael Brockers played and I thought Lavar Edwards and Keke Mingo made some really quick and fast plays," Miles said. "There were a number of guys that played well on the defensive side of the ball, including Craig Loston, who really showed up at safety today."

One area of concentration for the Tigers during camp has been that of the middle linebacker spot, where the Tigers have to replace all-conference selection Kelvin Sheppard. LSU is looking to converted safety Karnell Hatcher and Kevin Minter to fill the void at middle linebacker this year.

"Karnell made some plays in the middle today," Miles said. "Both Karnell and Kevin got snaps with the first team today and they did some good things. I also thought the Ryan Baker had a good day. He made some plays at the other linebacker spot."

LSU will take Sunday off before holding a two-a-day session on Monday. LSU's next scrimmage will take place on Thursday afternoon in Tiger Stadium. LSU opens its seventh season under Miles in three weeks when they face third-ranked Oregon at 7 p.m. in the Cowboys Classic in Arlington, Texas.

[LSU Sports .com]

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