On Dec. 22, head coach Les Miles revealed that leading rusher Stevan Ridley would be ineligible for the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M, but that the school was appealing to the NCAA to have that decision reversed.
Apparently, that appeal was very successful.
The Dallas Morning News reported earlier Monday afternoon that Miles was seen on his cell phone and hugging Ridley following the conversation. The Baton Rouge Advocate‘s Randy Rosetta tweeted later that a source close to LSU said that Ridley will indeed be eligible.
Miles didn’t confirm Ridley’s eligibility after practice today, but did seem optimistic when asked about the running back’s status.
“We hear good things, but we’re not certain of anything at this point,” Miles said. “When we hear officially, we’ll be forthcoming.”
Getting Ridley “back” would be a huge boost for a Tigers’ offense that’s struggled mightily when attempting to move the ball through the air. Ridley, a junior, leads the Tigers with 1,042 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.