Ed Orgeron on Alabama: ‘Change too much, they’re gonna eat you up’
By Cody McClure
Published:
“Tremendous week, tremendous challenge for the Tigers,” LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said at his Thursday press conference. “You can tell it’s Alabama week. There’s a different vibe around here.”
Orgeron was asked how he has gone about preparing for the No. 2 Crimson Tide this week, and how he plans to match up with Nick Saban’s squad on Saturday.
“It comes down to execution, and being in the right place at the right time — all the time,” he said. “Match the intensity level. Be sound in everything you do. Prepare your guys, but don’t over-prepare them. You don’t want to win the game on Tuesday or Wednesday at practice. You have to explode on Saturday night. You have to play for 60 minutes … There’s no question about that. Sometimes, as a young coach, you get excited for these rivalry games and try to leave it on the field Tuesday and Wednesday. The game’s not won on Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s won on Saturday night.
“This game has to be about LSU,” Orgeron added. “It has to be about us executing and doing the things we can do. If you change too much, they’re going to eat you up. You’ve got to do some things that you’re used to doing. If you put in too many new wrinkles, guys are gonna make mistakes. That’s where you beat yourself. You’ve got to go in there and do the things you can do well. … It all starts with protection. If you can’t protect, you don’t have a chance.”
When asked if he felt any pressure this week, Orgeron simply raised his eyebrows and said, “No.”
A few player updates from the Tigers’ head coach:
Orgeron: Tyler Taylor or Donnie Alexander may start. Dave Aranda will make the call on that. Will be a game-time decision. #LSU
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) November 2, 2017
Orgeron: “Dee Anderson is going to play a little bit. He’s maturing. He’s coming along.” #LSU
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) November 2, 2017
Orgeron asked if KJ Malone practice: “Questionable.”
Orgeron asked if Sci Martin will travel: “He’s coming along fine.” #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 2, 2017
Orgeron was also asked if he had spoken to former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin this week. He replied:
Orgeron asked if he’s talked to Lane Kiffin this week.
“Only person I talked to outside of the building this week is my wife.” #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 2, 2017
LSU and Alabama kick off at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
