Ridley to receive eligibility ruling Jan. 4

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LSU’s leading rusher appealing ineligible status

By RICHARD FISCHER
Tiger Rag Assistant Editor

LSU head coach Les Miles said the decision on LSU’s appeal of Stevan Ridley’s ineligible status will happen January 4.

Ridley will participate in a teleconference with Chancellor Mike Martin and members of an NCAA Appeals Committee on that date. 

Miles said the teleconference will give the team “great direction” on whether Ridley will be available for the bowl game.

The Natchez, Miss. native was ruled academically ineligible on Dec. 22 for LSU’s matchup with Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.

Ridley will travel with the team to Dallas when the squad leaves Jan. 1.

All indications from Miles are that Ridley has been practicing with the team despite his ineligible status.

Ridley led the Tigers in rushing and finished third among SEC running backs with 1,042 yards and second among SEC backs with 14 rushing touchdowns.

Additionally, SEC coaches voted Ridley first-team All-SEC this season.

If Ridley’s appeal is not successful, Michael Ford will likely carry much of the load as he was LSU’s second-leading rushing running back with 41 carries for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

Fellow frosh Spencer Ware may also see some touches as he saw his number of carries increase as the season went on, scoring his only rushing touchdown of the season against ULM.

Check back to Tigerrag.com for the latest on the eligibility of Stevan Ridley.