Miles says LSU looking forward, not back

HOOVER, Ala. — Standing at the podium at SEC Media Days on Wednesday, LSU coach Les Miles made it obvious from the start that the Tigers' national championship season is history now, and it's time to move on.

"I'm very proud of the ‘07 team," he said. "It was a tremendous achievement. But I don't want to spend a lot of time talking about that. I want to go on. The ‘08 season is where we're at. We're not dealing with rankings. We're not defending. This is a whole new team."

A year ago, another SEC head coach stood in the same spot and talked about prodding his team to file away a national championship season so it could handle a new challenge. Things didn't work out so well for Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators, who seemed to grow a little full of themselves in the wake of their big win over Ohio State in the BCS title game and failed to meet expectations.

Miles can't be sure that the same thing won't happen to his team this season. But he is certain of one thing: the Tigers have the same appetite to win that they had a year ago.

And the talent.

"The good news about this team is they've been through an experience that will allow them to continue to develop, to understand the work that needs to take place," Miles said. "We really invest in what we've determined to be our process. That process will help us identify this team.

"It's work ethic and habit, it's a belief in the things that will make a difference. I think we paid a tremendous price this summer. I think we have leadership, I think we have great character. I look forward to what will be the ‘08 team. I can tell you that I like our opportunities for ‘08."

Can the Tigers repeat?

Had projected starting quarterback Ryan Perrilloux not screwed up again and been tossed from the team this summer, LSU likely would have been a strong favorite to return to the BCS title game.

Now, uncertainty at quarterback has led to some doubts about just how far this team can go.

Miles doesn't seem too concerned, though.

Whoever ends up being the quarterback (Jarrett Lee, Andrew Hatch or Jordan Jefferson), the Tigers will be fine, he said.

"We liked our quarterbacks, and we felt like we had the entire spring with the guys that will currently be our quarterbacks, minus our incoming freshman (Jefferson)," he said. "I think coach Cro (offensive coordinator Gary Crowton does a very good job in playing what would be his offensive strength. We'll enjoy the guys that we have."

While there is some uncertainty at quarterback, there isn't any anywhere else on a team teeming with talent.

The Tigers have proven skill at receiver and tight end, a stable of experienced backs and a big, tough, seasoned offensive line. The defense should again be menacing, especially up front.

"I think if you look at our personnel on the defensive side, the defensive line will be one of the strongest in the country," he said. "I think our defensive front will be as strong as there is in college football. I'll be excited to watch them play."

Miles said one priority heading into the season was becoming a better road team. The Tigers lost big games at Auburn and Florida two years ago, and were upset at Kentucky after moving to No. 1 last season.

The loss at Florida in 2006 is one that obviously stuck with Miles and the Tigers. They return to Gainesville on Oct. 11.

"I want this team to embrace going on the road and playing well," he said. "If I had to look back on the last three years, maybe the game that we played, you know, not well was the Florida game. I just want to go back to Florida and say, ‘OK, let's play well.' I look forward to this (LSU) team."