Les Miles Tracker: What the LSU Football Coach Is Saying at SEC Media Days

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There are few personalities in college football as eccentric as LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles.

The "Mad Hatter" takes center stage today for Day 2 of SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala.

With the Tigers expected to be favorites to defend their SEC title, Miles and his loaded team are sure to be a popular subject among the six teams scheduled to greet the media throng gathered at the Wynfrey Hotel.

Stay tuned and keep checking this live tracker for what Miles is saying and what those around the SEC are saying about him.

Les Miles on Tyrann Mathieu's Twitter Boasts

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Tyrann Mathieu raised eyebrows with his recent Twitter boasts about being the best defensive player in college football.

When Les Miles was asked about his star corner's social media usage, he offered a blunt retort, per Matt Scalici of al.com.

Les Miles on Tyrann Mathieu: "No game is won on a Twitter page"
— Matt Scalici (@MattScalici) July 18, 2012

Mathieu, one of the five finalists for the Heisman Trophy last season, did not make the trip to SEC Media Days.

Miles opted instead to bring safety Eric Reid to Hoover to represent the Tigers.

Les on EA Sports Commerical Shoot

Les Miles EA Sports Commercial

While most college football fans suffer during the long wait until football season starts, the mid-summer release of EA Sports NCAA Football game is usually one of the biggest events that make the offseason pass faster.

With Les Miles and LSU's mascot "Mike the Tiger" filming a hilarious promo for this year's edition, the first question Miles fielded from the media asked him about his experience filming it.

"The lines were narrowed so that I could perform them effectively," Miles said, via ESPN3. "I really though Mike the Tiger stole the show to be honest with you."

The 30-second spot has left a lasting impression, with fans and acquaintances constantly reminding Miles of his famous ending line.

"I can’t tell you the amount of people that walk by me and go, 'you were like a son, a Tiger son,'” Miles joked.

Les' Growing Pains

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There may not be a quarterback controversy this year at LSU, but Miles is certainly concerned about Zach Mettenberger's health.

Per Sara Jean Harris of ABC 33/40 (via Twitter) in Birmingham, Miles misunderstood a question directed towards the growing pains that Mettenberger may face in his first year as a starter.

"His groin pains," Miles asked?

Oh coach, please don't ever change!

Summer Summarized

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Miles was short and to the point about what his team has been up to this summer.

"Summer's been good for my team. Weight's down, strength's up," said Miles, per Russ Mitchell of collegefootballnews.com, via twitter.

Les on LSU's Controversial SEC Championship Rings

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LSU's perfect 2011 season ended on the sourest of notes with last year's 21-0 drubbing in the BCS title game at the hands of Alabama lingering.

The Tigers SEC title rings contain a reminder, with the phrase "# 2 Nationally" engraved on them (h/t Jerry Hinnen, CBS Sports).

When asked why that was the case, Miles gave a simple, but effective answer.

"Because we couldn't use no.1," Miles said, per Mike Dubberly of Good Day Alabama, via twitter.

Miles Is Hip to Twitter, but Does He Follow His Players?

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While some coaches like FSU's Jimbo Fisher have banned players from using social media, Miles has embraced it and even has his own Twitter account, but he has yet to follow one of his most recognizable players.

"I do not follow Honey Badger on Twitter.. (yes) I understand that Twitter thing," Miles said, according to Jim Wogan of WATE-TV in Knoxville, via twitter.

In fairness, Miles isn't following anyone.

In a way, that's typical Les Miles.

Les on Non-Conference Champions Getting a Bid in the New Playoff System

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If anyone would have a gripe about a non-conference champion getting a bid into the new playoff system, Les Miles could make a case considering how Alabama was able to get a rematch with LSU that helped them win the national title.

To quote Lee Corso, "not so fast, my friend!"

"If you know that a non-conference champion is one of the best teams in the country, then that team better be in," Miles said, per B/R's Barrett Sallee via twitter.

Les Admires the Old Ball Coach

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Les Miles has always been a hit at press conferences because you never know what he will say at any given moment, something he shares with another SEC coaching icon—South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.

"I follow Coach Spurrier because he seems to have an entertaining way of communicating," Miles said, per Saturday Down South's twitter.

Birds of a feather, coach!

What Crazy Questions Will Miles Get?

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It never fails for reporters to ask silly questions at SEC Media Days.

Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News says his gut tells him that there will be one journalist wondering if a particular program made Miles' DVR list.

Someone is going to ask Les Miles if he watches Duck Dynasty. I can just tell.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) July 18, 2012

We know Coach Miles loves to chew grass, so this wouldn't surprise me if it were true.

Mad Hatter Heavily Anticipated

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Clearly, the media gathered for day 2 of the SEC Media Days have been waiting for the arrival of Miles, this per Jeff Barlis of ESPN.

I think we're all just waiting for Les Miles to enter #SECMediaDays and, well, be Les Miles.
— Jeff Barlis (@JeffBarlisESPN) July 18, 2012

With LSU being potential favorites for the national title, and the event being held in Alabama's backyard, this press conference definitely has potential for some fireworks.

Miles Up Next

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Les Miles is scheduled to take the podium just minutes away at 3:30 EST, per Gary Laney of ESPN.

#LSU at #SEC media days: Miles (3:30-4:10 in main room and 4:10-4:20 with ESPN.com.
— GLaneyESPN (@GLaneyESPN) July 18, 2012

Miles and Auburn coach Gene Chizik are the final two coaches to speak today.

Muschamp Happy to Keep LSU on Schedule

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Miles and LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva generated some headlines this offseason when they petitioned the league to drop their permanent rival with Florida. (h/t nola.com)

Gators head coach Will Muschamp, speaking with reporters leading off Day 2 at SEC Media Days, said he's in favor of keeping the matchup and was complementary of Miles, per B/R's Barrett Sallee.

Muschamp on LSU staying: "I'm glad to play them. Les is a great coach, and I'm happy to play them…especially at our place."
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) July 18, 2012

Muschamp and the Gators will host LSU on Oct. 6.

LSU Media Days Schedule

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Miles and a trio of Tigers (quarterback Zach Mettenberger, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and safety Eric Reid) are scheduled to take the podium this afternoon, with Miles kicking things off at 3:20 p.m. ET, per LSU Sports News.