LSU is riding high and coming off a three-game SEC winning streak. Things get significantly tougher this week, as the Tigers head to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 2 Alabama.

Ed Orgeron was the first coach to speak during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.

Here’s a summary of what the LSU coach had to say:

  • Opening statements: “Much needed open date, guys are rested, came back with some spirit. A lot of respect for Nick Saban and his staff. Great running team, good OL but we will be up for the challenge.”
  • What is the secret to Alabama’s success? “The system and execution at each position. If you make a mistake, they exploit it. Plus 10 in the turnover margin. The QB is the catalyst for the football team, he makes them go.”
  • Are SEC fans’ expectations at a different level? “These are prestigious jobs. At LSU, you are expected to win and that’s part of the job, I understand that. The SEC is the best conference, that’s why I came here. I understand the expectations.
  • How do you deal with that? “Don’t turn on the TV, don’t turn on the Internet. Stick with your team. It was tough around here after Troy… You have to block out the news.”
  • Describe Derrius Guice’s running style: “Violence. He runs the ball like Warren Sapp played DT. The more he gets hit the more he gets going.
  • On preparing for Alabama: “We are locked in. Tunnel vision. We had a great practice yesterday, staying off the media. We have to match the intensity of Alabama for 60 minutes.”
  • Thoughts on Nick Fitzgerald vs. LSU? “They were on fire that night. Coach (Mullen) had his team ready… The crowd was a big factor. The QB was on fire, made all the right reads that night.”
  • Can you recall Raekwon Davis’ recruitment? “I love big Raekwon. Alabama beat us on that one. Isaiah Buggs was committed to us, then he went to JUCO, he developed and he decided not to come play for us.”