BATON ROUGE — Head coach Les Miles put LSU through an abbreviated scrimmage on Saturday as the Tigers went through a 50-play workout, which included a 20-minute lightning delay, here in Tiger Stadium.
The scrimmage was the first of three scheduled for the Tigers during preseason camp. LSU will scrimmage again next Saturday in Tiger Stadium followed by the final scrimmage on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Saturday’s workout featured the first and second units each getting 25 snaps. The third unit got a handful of snaps with another 16 plays dedicated to special teams.
“I liked the first go,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “It was a half practice, half scrimmage. We probably hit 50 plays total ? 25 for the first team, 25 for the second. Special teams had another 16 plays. It was a pretty good go early in the camp.
“I thought we were sharp on offense at times, but a little mistake here or there would cost us in our performance. The defense played well. If I had to characterize the day the offense won, but they did have a turnover, an interception. It was still a competitive go.”
The scrimmage was scripted in nature and featured the No. 1 offense facing the No. 1 defense for 12 plays. The remaining snaps had the 1s going against the 2s. The scrimmage concluded with the first and second units each getting a possession during the 2-minute drill.
Quarterback Jordan Jefferson ran the first offense and looked sharp early on, completing all three of his passes on the first drive for the No. 1 offense. Jefferson finished the scrimmage by connecting on 9-of-14 passes, but he did throw an interception for the only turnover by the Tigers. Jarrett Lee connected on 7-of-14 passes for the No. 2 offense.
“Jordan Jefferson played mostly with the first unit, and he was 9-for-14 and made a mistake on coverage and threw a pick,” Miles said. “The rest of the time he looked really good. There are a couple small things that he needs to correct, which he will.
“Jarrett Lee was not as good by percentage, probably 7-for-14, but in my opinion he operated the offense really well.”
Miles said that Russell Shepard saw action at three positions on offense ? quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Chris Garrett got eight to 10 snaps at quarterback, Miles said.
“Russell Shepard played six snaps at quarterback, one snap at running back and two snaps at wide receiver,” Miles said. “He had a catch. He wanted to make a throw to a guy who was covered and he overstayed his welcome in the pocket and got sacked. All three guys performed well.”
Miles also singled out the play of wide receivers Terrance Toliver, Brandon LaFell and Rueben Randle as well as that of running back Charles Scott.
Defensively, the Tigers were without three starters for the scrimmage as linebackers Perry Riley and Jacob Cutrera and defensive end Rahim Alem all sat out of the workout. Miles said all three players will be back at practice on Monday.
Cornerback Patrick Peterson created the only turnover during the scrimmage, intercepting a Jefferson pass and returning it 40 yards. Linebacker Harry Coleman had a sack for a 7-yard loss, to go with four tackles, while Kelvin Sheppard, Michael Brockers and Sam Montgomery each had sacks for the defense.
“Our team is growing, and our team understands that it is not just sharp at times but sharp all the time,” Miles said. “It is making sure that you pay attention to detail and get it fixed. Your business must be done as well as it can be done. It is a team, and you are responsible to us.
“I like the commitment to team and I like this team. It is early in camp and there is a lot to improve on, but they appear very willing.”
The Tigers will take Sunday off from practice before going back to work on Monday with two workouts, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. LSU will then go to a 1-a-day practice schedule for the remainder of camp starting with Tuesday’s morning workout.