5 reasons LSU needs to fire Les Miles
By David Rouben
![Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles congratulates Russell Gage (39) after a tackle against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles congratulates Russell Gage (39) after a tackle against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d47e1cc320a5bc9b8dfcc66ee4561e5b5bc8f3b09138f1b9d77048073434bffd.jpg)
2. Leonard Fournette’s talent is being wasted
Leonard Fournette is a once-in-a-generation running back, and someone who is likely to go in the Top 5 of the NFL Draft. But when the team loses, it’s usually not on him.
Only Les Miles could waste a 138-yard performance against Wisconsin, and almost lose despite 147 yards and two touchdowns against Mississippi State. LSU’s failures often come in spite of Fournette’s performance, and when defenses stack the box against him, he inevitably fails as well. Last season, he went from a practical lock to win the Heisman to not even finishing in the top three.
There’s probably nobody who’s more frustrated with this team than Leonard Fournette. Some people floated around the idea that he should sit out this season to protect his draft stock by avoiding an injury. So far, he’s only boosted his stock, but playing has only served a reminder of how hopeless it is to play for a team coached by Les Miles. Fournette alone can’t win a game, because as much as Miles would love it, he can’t play defense.
Fournette is a player who deserves to win more than a Texas Bowl. And his presence was a big reason why they were the preseason No. 5 team. While LSU is talented, they won’t get the better of Alabama or make the College Football Playoff. There aren’t many teams that can dash preseason expectations as quickly as LSU can, as what was once a promising season soon turned into one of futility.