The most talked-about hamstring in college football appears to be just fine.
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LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt told reporters Tuesday that he expects to be “100 percent” when the 10th-ranked Tigers face Kentucky Saturday night in Lexington.
Leavitt missed LSU’s previous game against McNeese State because of the hamstring issue, but said the injury is minor and has responded well.
“It was a super light hamstring thing,” Leavitt said. “Got it back really good for the game (against McNeese) and didn’t have to run around.”
The injury has forced Leavitt to adjust his approach. Earlier this season, the Arizona State transfer was willing to use his legs frequently. Now, he says he’s focused on playing quarterback first and using his running ability when necessary.
“It was a blessing in a way,” Leavitt said. “God works in mysterious ways. I’m just going to take everything as it is and use it to my advantage.”
Leavitt said the experience has helped him become more disciplined as a quarterback.
“Now, I’ve got to play quarterback first and playmaker second. Use my legs when it has to happen, rather than forcing it. And that’s when I think it can be even more lethal.”
That could be an important development Saturday night.
Kentucky has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks this season.
In the Wildcats’ 31-21 victory over Texas A&M on September 19, Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed rushed for 80 yards, including a 40-yard run.
Then last week, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers ran for 147 yards, including a 74-yard run, in the Gamecocks’ overtime loss to Kentucky.
Kentucky coach Will Stein acknowledged on Tuesday that containing mobile quarterbacks remains a major defensive concern.
“He had some big scrambles, which we’ve talked about every week, containing the quarterback,” Stein said. “You’ve got to be able to contain these guys. It’s not like there’s giant, explosive runs from running backs right now. It’s literally quarterback scrambles.”
LSU will also have to deal with what should be a raucous atmosphere at Kroger Field.
Saturday is Kentucky’s homecoming game, and the Wildcats will bring back their iconic Power K helmets.
Leavitt said LSU is preparing for the noise after experiencing a hostile environment earlier this season at Ole Miss.
“We have another opportunity this week against a really good team,” Leavitt said. “We got the crowd noise bumping at practice, doing a great job communicating.”
For LSU, the formula is straightforward.
The Tigers are favored by 8.5 points, but they know a few mistakes could quickly change the complexion of the game. Avoiding turnovers and penalties—and getting Leavitt healthy enough to make plays with both his arm and legs—will be critical if LSU hopes to leave Lexington with a victory.
