Ad Disclosure
Ed Orgeron discusses Auburn’s ground game, TJ Finley and the Death Valley crowd
Published:
LSU plays host to Auburn on Saturday night in a huge SEC West showdown.
During the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said one of the keys to the game will be slowing down a dynamic Auburn rushing attack.
Bryan Harsin’s team is averaging 257 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 7h nationally, and running backs Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter have combined for nearly 800 yards and 6 touchdowns.
“First of all, they’re very talented,” said Orgeron of the Auburn running backs. “They’re hard runners. … They stay tight on their cuts and their pad level is very low. … They’re tough to tackle.”
Orgeron, as expected, was asked again about Auburn quarterback TJ Finley, who transferred to Auburn from LSU.
Finley came off the bench to spark Auburn in a come-from-behind win over Georgia State last Saturday, as he led a game-winning 4th quarter drive. The sophomore isn’t expected to start Saturday night but is expected to play.
“That play he made (against Georgia State), he showed tremendous ability to escape in the pocket, great escapability, great feet. … We’re going to have to contain him,” said Orgeron of Finley. “… He can make plays by extending with his feet, so we’re going to have to be aware of that.”
Orgeron was also asked about what kind of role he thought the crowd at Death Valley could play in the outcome Saturday, and he said having the game at home is huge for his team.
“I attribute our victories over Auburn and Florida in 2019 to our fans. … The energy they bring us makes it hard on opposing teams, and it just lights us up, man. … It’s gonna be a great energy boost for our team.”
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
