Miles: Hitting the QB not out of line

• By RANDY ROSETTA
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Oct 9, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:45 a.m.

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While the Ricky Jean-Francois inspired controversy seems to be fading, it was still a topic of discussion when LSU coach Les Miles met the media Wednesday after his team’s final strenuous practice of the week.

The No. 4-ranked Tigers (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) collide with 11th-ranked Florida (4-1, 2-1) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Jean-Francois was quoted in an Orlando Sentinel blog this week saying that LSU’s defense would try to take Gators’ star quarterback Tim Tebow out of the game.

The blog and one quote from Jean-Francois were topics of discussion on several ESPN programs Tuesday and again Wednesday, including the popular “Mike & Mike in the Morning” and “Pardon the Interruption.”

“I didn’t enjoy that it reflected on this game in any way,” Miles said when asked about Jean-Francois’ comments.

Miles defended Jean-Francois, saying the junior defensive tackle, as well as the rest of the Tigers, have “respect and admiration in (Tebow’s) ability to compete.”

But Miles also pointed out that the notion of hitting the quarterback is not out of line.

“The idea that he would hit him and hit him hard is something every quarterback in this league — our quarterback — will have to deal with,” Miles said. “Injury is the worst part of this football game. We want everybody to play, play well, play their best and we want to get to the quarterback. But we want to get to the quarterback every week.”

Asked if the quotes and the reaction would be a distraction, Miles said “peripheral chatter has little relevance.”

Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, and could be full go by Saturday, Gators coach Urban Meyer said.

“He didn’t go through a full practice, but he was out there running around a little bit,” Meyer said. “I think (he’ll be ready to go). We’ll know more Friday.” Harvin sprained his ankle in the Arkansas game Saturday and was in a protective boot Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Also on the injury front, Meyer said outside linebacker Ryan Stamper (ankle) and strong safety Will Hill (ankle) have returned to full speed.