Miles eager for ’Bama showdown

With the countdown to kickoff between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama drawing nearer, LSU coach Les Miles said Wednesday his team is eager to take the field.

With no suspensions and no injuries — except senior guard Josh Dworaczyk, who suffered a season-ending injury before the Oregon game — LSU will take the field at full strength for the first time this year. Despite the bright lights surrounding Saturday's showdown, Miles said he hasn't noticed a difference in his team's preparation.

"I can't imagine that they're going to do anything but play their game," Miles said. "Anytime you line up against quality defenses, you're going to work to get your yards. We've been in enough of those games to understand that happens. Nobody's going to lose their poise."

During LSU's victory against Alabama last season, the Tigers converted a fourth down with a reverse by then-junior tight end Deangelo Peterson. Miles stressed the importance of relying on conventional plays this year, not necessarily trick plays.

"What you want to do is call the stuff you do best," Miles said. "There's a point in time where you can't be too predictable, but there's also a key that you call the things you do best."

Miles said dominating the line of scrimmage defensively will also be crucial against Alabama. Minimizing the effectiveness of Alabama junior running back Trent Richardson starts with the defensive line, Miles said.

"It's like any game, you have to minimize the run," Miles said. "Otherwise handing the ball off is an advantage. If they can keep the chains moving by handing the ball off, it's an issue. Certainly against a quality back and a very good offensive line, we're preparing to stop a very capable offensive attack."

As Miles and Alabama coach Nick Saban enter their fifth contest against each other, Miles said he understands the significance of the rivalry.

"It's a tremendously competitive game," Miles said. "It's one our guys and their guys want to play well in, and come into it with the best intentions. That would be similar to any great rivalry, to any great matchup."

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Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com