Tigers secure Big Easy bid

ATLANTA – Now, Les Miles and LSU can go home together, regardless.

Next stop, New Orleans. Only one thing remained uncertain about their future: What game awaited them in the Superdome?

Assured by Miles he would stay as their coach, backup quarterback Ryan Perrilloux and the fifth-ranked Tigers shifted their attention to No. 14 Tennessee. The result was a 21-14 victory Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship game – and still a slight chance to play for the national title.

“I’d line up against anybody and look forward to the opportunity,” Miles said. “Anybody that saw this game tonight would certainly understand that this team is arguably the finest team in the country.”

Jonathan Zenon scored on an 18-yard interception return with 9:54 left to put LSU (11-2) ahead, then Darry Beckwith picked off another pass by Erik Ainge deep in Tigers territory to seal it.

Perrilloux was the MVP of the game, though Ainge certainly played an equally significant role with his ill-timed tosses. The win sent LSU home with a spot in the Sugar Bowl at worst.

At best, the Tigers gain hope after losses by No. 1 Missouri and No. 2 West Virginia later in the day, plus look for help in the BCS rankings this weekend to play in college football’s championship game, also to be held at the Superdome.

With speculation swirling he would soon leave for Michigan, Miles did everything he could to put aside the distractions. He met with his team earlier in the day and told them he was remaining at LSU.

“It’s a great place. It’s got everything. They said they want me,” Miles said.

A day after he said he would talk to Michigan, Miles turned down a chance to go back to the school where he played and coached.

“I certainly love Michigan. I will always be a Michigan man,” he said. “It saddens me at times I can’t be in two places.”

“We know Coach is here with us. We know Coach has been sticking by us,” Perrilloux said.

Miles often mouthed the word “poise” to his players during the game. After LSU won its first SEC title since 2003, he let his emotions show as he hugged senior Jacob Hester, who barreled for 120 yards with helmet-hammering runs.

“I’m just really happy for our seniors, our leadership,” Miles said.

Miles had to be proud of his defense, too, for the way it stopped the Vols at the end.

Still no word, though, on whether defensive coordinator Bo Pelini will soon leave to become head coach at Nebraska as has been rumored.

“I’m not really talking about that right now,” Pelini said.