by Michael Bonnette, Associate AD/Sports Information Director
BATON ROUGE – Three of the four offensive starters who missed last week’s game against Louisiana Tech practiced for the third straight day on Wednesday as the eighth-ranked Tigers continue to prepare for this weekend’s Southeastern Conference Western Division battle against Ole Miss.
Quarterback Jordan Jefferson, tight end Richard Dickson and center T-Bob Hebert have all practiced this week and are expected back in the lineup on Saturday against Ole Miss. Running back Charles Scott is the only starter who is expected to miss the Ole Miss game.
LSU and Ole Miss meet at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in Oxford in a contest that will be televised nationally by CBS. LSU brings an 8-2 overall mark and a 4-2 league record into the game, while the Rebels are 7-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
LSU has won four straight over Ole Miss in Oxford, however last year, the Tigers dropped a 31-13 decision to the Rebels in Tiger Stadium.
“I’ve enjoyed our preparation and the focus of the players this week,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “The guys are returning to health and it’s nice to see that. (Richard) Dickson had a smile on his face, and (Jordan) Jefferson practiced the entire practice as well as T-Bob (Hebert) and the others. With health coming back, there was a nice feel at practice today.”
Jefferson is on target to start against Ole Miss after missing all of last week with an injury, which was suffered in the third quarter of the Alabama game two weeks ago.
“Unless there is a setback, I expect him to start,” Miles said of Jefferson.
One area of concern going into the Ole Miss game is slowing down running back Dexter McCluster, who was named national player of the week on Sunday after rushing for 282 yards in the win over Tennessee.
LSU true freshman Michael Ford has simulated McCluster in practice this week for the Tiger defense.
“Michael Ford is simulating McCluster, and I think it’s been fun for him certainly,” Miles said. “I think our defense is responding to what has been simulated in practice. I think they are looking forward to the challenge.”
LSU will practice again on Thursday followed by a walk-through on Friday.
