LSU OL Alex Hurst dealing with ‘personal’ issues

As if LSU’s offensive line didn’t already have enough issues, coach Les Miles said Wednesday that tackle Alex Hurst has missed time this week while dealing with personal issues.

“Alex had some issues that are personal to him,” Miles said. “We don’t expect that he will miss the back end of the week. Those are some things he needs to work out, but he’s certainly an important part of the team. We expect him to play.”

Miles said Hurst is still on the team and was “nicked” in last week’s game against Florida. If Hurst does not play Saturday against No. 3 South Carolina, Miles said sixth-year senior Josh Dworaczyk will return to left tackle.

LSU could also be without starting right guard Josh Williford, who suffered a concussion against the Gators. Miles said Williford has not returned to practice and will need to be cleared by team doctors before he can return to the field.

“He’s gotten better,” Miles said. “I would expect him to be a game-time decision. It’s a little premature to suggest he’s returned to practice, but he’s done a little work, and we’ve enjoyed it. There’s a great opportunity for him to see what the back end of the week holds.”

Redshirt freshman Trai Turner replaced Williford early in the second quarter of the Florida game. Turner said getting to play against talented Southeastern Conference players was a “great experience.”

He added that he’s been practicing with the first team this week while Williford’s status remains uncertain.

“I don’t really know the status of Williford, but I’ve been getting some work and preparing, so when my number’s called, I’m ready to go out there,” Turner said.

Replacing Alexander

With true freshman Kwon Alexander sidelined for the season because of a broken ankle, Luke Muncie appears set to return to the starting lineup after playing sparingly the last couple weeks.

Muncie dealt with a stomach virus, but Miles said he’s recovered and is in contention to replace Alexander.

“Muncie will certainly get more reps because of it,” Miles said. “I still feel there are some quality young guys that are going to vie for time there.”

Muncie has played in all six games this season but did not start or record a tackle against Towson or Florida. Freshmen Ronnie Feist, Lamar Louis and Deion Jones all played against Florida.

Too early?

Earlier this week, some players called Saturday’s contest a must-win situation if the team wants to reach the BCS championship game.

Talk of making it to Miami clearly remains on the players’ minds, but Miles said it’s far too early to worry about that.

“Talking about that at this point in time is way too premature,” Miles said. “This is about feeling good Sunday. This is about taking care of our immediate goals. It’s one at a time.

“Remind me to look up those guys. Tomorrow night, I’ll correct them as well.”

How do you say ‘Lamin’?

Every media guide and set of game notes includes a pronunciation guide for LSU players who have difficult names to pronounce.

CBS commentator Gary Danielson must not have read his thoroughly enough. Danielson consistently mispronounced the first name of outside linebacker Lamin Barrow, (pronounced luh-MEEN), throughout the broadcast of last week’s Florida game.

Danielson pronounced it as LAY-men, and Barrow said his mother pointed out the mistake.

“My mom recorded it, and she told me to come watch it,” Barrow said. “It’s not disrespectful. He just doesn’t know how to say my name. I dealt with that in high school. ... I think it’s funny.”