The first meeting between LSU and Vanderbilt in nine years looks like a lopsided affair on paper, but LSU coach Ed Orgeron wasn’t buying into that notion during his Wednesday press conference.

Actually, he was pretty complimentary of Vanderbilt, especially running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who Orgeron said will be one of the “best players” LSU will see this season.

Vaughn has recorded 130 rushing yards in two games to open the season. He has one touchdown and is averaging 4.1 yards per carry as well.

Last season, Vaughn posted 1,244 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging nearly 8.0 yards per carry.

At 0-2, Vanderbilt doesn’t have a win yet this season, but Orgeron credited that to a tough opening schedule, saying the Commodores are “tougher than their record indicates.” Vanderbilt played Georgia at home and then visited Purdue in Week 2.

The Tigers also have the disadvantage of the Commodores having two weeks to prepare for this matchup. Vanderbilt had a bye in Week 3.

LSU owns a 22-7-1 edge in the all-time series against Vanderbilt. The Tigers have won seven straight with the last win for the Commodores coming in 1990.

Here’s what else Orgeron said in his Wednesday press conference:

  • On Myles Brennan development: I’ve always told Myles he is a championship QB… he has stuck with us and he’s getting better.. he understands the meaning of being the LSU QB.
  • On LSU’s uniform combos and the new one from last week: Our guys like it, I’m a traditionalist, I like the traditional uniform.
  • On Jacob Phillips: So glad he de-committed from OU and he’s here, tremendous young man… just a good leader for us, I know he’s going home, I hope he has a good game.
  • On Jon Robinson: He has been phenomenal… He gives me 10 points each week, he observes me, observes the staff, the team, gives me tips each week… he has been invaluable.
  • On the pace of his offense, is it affecting the defense at all?: Some point in the season, it is going to affect us but I can’t ask them to slow down, we keep scoring points. The thing about the Texas game, they had long drives that hurt us, that had nothing to do with our offense.
  • On Ed Ingram: No word, no official word yet.
  • Injury update: Rashard Lawrence will not play, K’Lavion Chaisson is doubtful.
  • On recruiting Nashville: There are a lot of LSU people in Nashville, very transient town… it’s easy to get to from Nashville to New Orleans via a flight.