LSU’s Miles survives, but knows he has work to do

Despite all the winning Miles has done in Baton Rouge, he hasn’t led the Tigers to an SEC championship since 2011, this year’s squad had a three-game losing streak, and in general, many LSU supporters perceive him as being overly conservative with the school’s annual parade of talent.

It was probably all of the above that helped form LSU athletic director Joe Alleva’s decision to keep Miles as head coach. “We have talked about this program, and we are committed together to work and compete at the highest level”. “I’ve been very pleased with tonight’s game”.

LSU head coach Les Miles celebrates the Tigers’ 23-17 win over Texas A&M with his player in an NCAA college football game at Kyle Field Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in College Station. “I had no suggestion that this was going to be my last game in Tiger Stadium”, said Miles, speaking of the booster meeting.

On the ensuing kickoff, the much maligned special teams play for LSU enjoyed a rare bright spot when Devin Voorhies forced Christian Kirk to fumble at the Texas A&M 19.

“It’s not right to win occasionally”, Miles said. “We should win all the time”. Which it appears is the problem most of the LSU fanbase has with him. Another source said Miles was “very likely” to be let go soon. “And Joe Alleva followed that up”.

Fournette finished the game owning LSU’s single-season rushing record at 1,741 yards, surpassing the mark of 1,686 yards set by Charles Alexander in 1977.

So — how did we even get to this point in the first place?

Miles, though, is in the midst of, arguably, his rockiest two seasons as coach. “It’s nice to be the head coach of LSU”.

This entire drama of the last 2 weeks has been all about LSU’s FORMER coach, not the current one. The Tigers completed Miles’ 11th season as coach Eight-Three. The Tigers failed on a two-point conversion try but led 19-7 with 2:50 to play.

“Well, we are at the end of our regular season”. “The job you’ve been having, you still have to do it. I like that”.

LSU will now await their bowl opponent.

Of course, Alleva, whose own job may be in jeopardy if he loses a power play with Miles, was careful not to promise too much about the coach’s job security. He had vowed not to comment on Miles’ status until after the season, but his silence had been interpreted by many to mean Miles’ days at LSU were numbered.

LSU players, who heard weeks of speculation that three-straight double-digit losses to Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss might cost Miles his job, carried their coach off the field in a show of unbridled support.