Hurricane Isaac may not affect LSU’s season opener against North Texas -- for now -- but an eligibility issue could result in the Tigers being down a couple of players at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Les Miles said Monday that running back Michael Ford and linebacker Tahj Jones are still working to overcome eligibility hurdles before the game, but wouldn’t elaborate on what’s reported to be an academic issue.
“There is some appeal process that’s being undertaken for those guys, and we’ll kind of have to wait to see how that all turns out as we get closer to the game,” Miles said.
Ford was the team’s leading rusher last season with 755 yards and seven touchdowns, but the Tigers run the ball via committee. Sophomore Kenny Hilliard and junior Alfred Blue are two bruising backs that combined for just under 900 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011. After solid preseason camps, the two were listed as co-starters on the latest depth chart.
Spencer Ware, the team’s second-leading rusher from 2011, is in the mix too.
Jones was competing for a starting spot at linebacker when preseason camp began, but has since slid down the depth chart. He’s spent most of his two years with LSU on special teams.
As a result of the possible absences, LSU is now a mere 120-point favorite over UNT.
(Hat tip: New Orleans Times Picayune)