Football: Running backs star in White team's 24-9 spring game victory

The LSU spring game was not one for the highlight reels for junior quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee.

Jefferson finished 8-for-23 for 94 yards and Lee was 10-for-20 for 114 yards, and both quarterbacks threw an interception in the White team's 24-9 victory against the Purple team in front of 22,710 fans Saturday in Tiger Stadium.

LSU coach Les Miles said Jefferson still needs to spend time working on his mechanics and accuracy to lead the offense more effectively.

"There were some throws that were not ideal," Miles said. "I like our guys to throw perfectly. I don't know that anybody does that though. I see a lot of quarterbacks who throw a ball a little off."

Lee threw a 4-yard touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Chris Tolliver in the second half for the day's only passing touchdown.

Lee said he has matured on the field this spring, but he was noncommittal when asked if he made a case to be the starting quarterback this season.

"I can't really answer that," Lee said. "I'm just proud of the work I did this spring. I'm trusting in the coaches and listening to them. That's all I can do."

Junior running back Stevan Ridley opened the scoring for the White team on a 4-yard run to culminate a 10-play, 80-yard drive. It was the only offensive touchdown in the first half.

Ridley carried the ball 13 times for 104 yards — 94 in the first half — and a touchdown Saturday, and he credited the offensive line for opening up holes for him to run.

"You can't ask anymore from the offensive line," Ridley said. "The first drive they came out and made some gaping holes and all I had to do was what came naturally to me, which is run the ball."

Purple team redshirt freshman Michael Ford had 19 carries for 139 yards but was stuffed short of the goal line by the White team defense after four straight rushing attempts from inside the 5-yard line.

"Michael Ford had some nice runs, the kind of runs where you use your eyes and make cuts and make people miss," Miles said. "He is much more comfortable on our campus, better in the classroom and better in the meeting room. He's always been tough, and he's more confident with a year extra under his belt."

The White team defense kept the Purple team out of the end zone all day, with redshirt freshman safety Craig Loston providing the spark in the second quarter. Loston intercepted a pass by Lee and ran it back 22 yards for a touchdown.

"It was a high ball," Lee said. "I have to bring that ball down and make that play."

Sophomore Russell Shepard appeared at wide receiver, running back and quarterback in the game. Shepard moved to full-time wide receiver in the spring, and he said he does not regret making the switch.

"Receiver and running back position fit my skill set a little more than the quarterback position," Shepard said. "I love it, and I thank God every day that I made this choice."

There was one glaring absence on the offensive line for LSU, as junior center T-Bob Hebert did not play after suffering a broken leg this spring. Miles praised the performances of sophomore tackle Alex Hurst and junior guard Will Blackwell as well.

"Alex Hurst being a full-time player on the right side now is going to make a heck of a difference for us," Miles said. "Will Blackwell has taken the time to mature, and now he's much more ambitious and wants to play big in big games."

On special teams, senior kicker Josh Jasper booted all three of his field goal attempts, including a 57-yarder into the wind to close the first half. Miles said the goal was for Jasper to hit a 55-yarder in the spring game.

"He hit a 57-yarder just because he showed up," Miles said. "Very few times next year will we pooch punt."

----
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com.