The LSU football team ran through an extended scrimmage Tuesday afternoon in Tiger Stadium, the final one before the Tigers’ Sept. 1 season opener against North Texas.
Starting quarterback Zach Mettenberger apparently got the vast majority of the work on offense in what were his best scrimmage numbers of the three LSU has held. According to coach Les Miles, Mettenberger was 26 of 36 for 336 yards.
Miles didn’t say how many touchdowns Mettenberger threw, but he did say that James Wright, Jarvis Landry and Russell Shepard all caught TD passes. Odell Beckham Jr. again led the way with four catches for 100 yards, followed by Wright (4 for 60), Landry (4 for 20) and Shepard (3 for 20).
Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue led a 218-yard effort on the ground. Hilliard had 11 carries for 67 yards and three TDs while Blue had six carries for 67 yards and two scores. Freshman Jeremy Hill had eight carries for 43 yards and two scores, and Miles said even fullback J.C. Copeland got some touches.
Running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford both sat out of the scrimmage with injuries, though Miles said he believes both will be ready in time for North Texas.
Senior right tackle Alex Hurst, who has been slowed with an ankle injury, did scrimmage, as did left tackle Chris Faulk despite being slightly injured, Miles said.
Strong safety Craig Loston, who was seen recently leaving the LSU facility on crutches, missed the scrimmage. Miles said that paved the way for sophomore Ronald Martin to see extended playing time.
Free safety Eric Reid, the only true returning starter in the secondary after the dismissal of cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, had an interception according to Miles.
The Tigers will have an abbreviated walk-through session Wednesday and return to practice Thursday through Saturday before taking the day off Sunday. The Tigers will then begin their normal game week preparations on Monday.
