Miles: We're not defending

HOOVER | Les Miles began his Media Days press conference by telling everyone that LSU is not defending its 2007 BCS national championship.

"It's in our trophy case," Miles said of last year's BCS hardware. "We're not defending. We're not dealing with rankings. This is a brand new team.

"The good news is they’ve been through an experience that will allow them to continue to develop."

Miles said his offensive and defensive lines would be among the strongest in the country.

Trindon Holliday returns to Baton Rouge, La., after failing to make the U.S. Olympic team. He will return kicks and punts.

The Tigers lost All-American Glenn Dorsey off of their defensive line but return 6-foot-5, 291-pounder senior Tyson Jackson.

Redshirt freshman Jarret Lee and junior Andrew Hatch will battle for the starting quarterback vacated by Matt Flynn.

"(They) both had good springs," Miles said. "They’ve made good progress in the summer."

He said the Tigers will employ a running back by committee similiar to last season.

Doug Mallory and Bradley Peveto are co-defensive coordinators after Bo Pellini left for the head job at Nebraska.

"They were involved in every strategical meeting a season ago," Miles said. "They seem to get along well together."

LSU finished the season 11-2 claiming both the SEC title and the BCS national championship. Miles is 34-6 in three seasons at LSU.