8/13/2014 football Edit

Defense holds upper hand in brief scrimmage

Bryan Lazare

TigerBait.com Senior Writer

LSU coach Les Miles decided to conduct a brief scrimmage in Tiger Stadium on Wednesday morning.

The more experienced defense had the advantage in the 30-play session although both sides of the football need improvement.

"First scrimmages are generally productive to a point," Miles said. "The players get acclimated to football. Seldom are things flowing. Today's scrimmage falls in this category. The defensive played well, but it was penalized too much. The offense was penalized too much. We rushed the ball some."

The biggest surprise of the morning was the result of the matchup between the No. 1 offensive and defensive lines. The defensive line was more impressive against an offensive line with four returning starters.

"It was very competitive between the two lines," Miles said. "The defensive line really got after them. I like the way our defensive front is playing. Guys like Frank Herron and Christian LaCouture looked good. We are improving on the offensive line."

Miles was not totally happy with the performance of his quarterbacks - Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris. According to Miles, both quarterbacks split reps with the No. 1 offense.

LSU DE Rasco energized for final runClick "Both guys are improving," Miles said. "They are young. Both are engaged in leadership and want to have command of the offense. But, they don't know what command is.Here to view this Link.

"They don't know what has to be communicated to make the offense go. They have to have better command of the huddle and a better understanding of where the guys have to line up."

Leonard Fournette is ready to make his markClick According to Miles, wide receivers Avery Peterson and Travin Dural caught touchdown passes. Miles refused to say who made the touchdown throws. Most of the plays were run inside the defense's 50. There was a thud scrimmage (no tackling to the ground) before the live scrimmaging occurred.Here to view this Link.

Miles said that tailback Leonard Fournette took part in the thud portion of the contact only. Wide receiver Malachi Dupre was limited as well with some type of muscle pull.

"Leonard Fournette is a little nicked up, so he did not run in the live part," Miles said. "Malachi Dupre is also nicked. He is on the heal. He will continue to be treated."

Miles had some positive news about defensive tackle Quentin Thomas, who has a biceps injury.

"Quentin Thomas went through the individual drills," Miles said. "He moved around and used his hands. There is no reason to do anything else but rehab now. He may be able to practice in a couple of days."

Miles said there was no new information on the academic status of defensive tackle Trevonte Valentine. The Tigers will have their first major scrimmage of preseason practice Saturday morning.