Ed Orgeron calls Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa the best player in college football
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As LSU’s coach, Ed Orgeron obviously has a ton of respect for Alabama.
Same goes for the Crimson Tide’s quarterback.
During his appearance on Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, Orgeron called Tua Tagovailoa the “best player in college football.” He’s far from alone in that assessment of Alabama’s sophomore signal-caller, who is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy midway through a season in which he has produced video-game numbers.
Stopping Tagovailoa will be the top priority for the No. 4 Tigers (7-1, 4-1 SEC) when they host No. 1 Alabama (8-0, 5-0) next Saturday following a bye week for both teams.
You can read everything else Orgeron said during his portion of the teleconference below.
On the #FreeDevinWhite billboards:
- I love our fans; they are passionate, passionate about LSU. That’s out of my control. I have to control what I can, like beating Alabama.
On the targeting call against White:
- I’ve talked about it. I thought it was unfair. I wish we could turn it over. I wish he wasn’t suspended, but I’ve moved on. We are playing a big game next week.
What’s the biggest improvement this season?
- Special teams, the way we are kicking, the confidence. Cole Tracy has made a difference. The play of our quarterback, coaching, cohesiveness and being plus-12 on turnovers.
On fourth-down conversion attempts:
- We are big on analytics. We have analysts look at that every week. Some of them are pretty aggressive. We felt if it was fourth and 1 or less on Georgia, we had to go for it. It was dicey, but it worked. We won’t do that every week.
On defending on fourth downs, do they go more?
- We study it, especially in hurry-up. The biggest surprise is third and 10 down to fourth and 1, and they are going for it. You can’t sub, you have to be ready for it.
On the “We coming” comment after the Alabama game last year:
- I was emotional. I thought we matched up with them physically. You have to give them credit; they won it and we didn’t. But we are coming. Alabama is the benchmark. Saban is the best college football coach of all time, so give him credit.
On which players need to rest:
- We had Monday off, had a short practice. We will go full pads, and tomorrow they have off. They will only practice once this week, so they should be fresh for next week.
On Alabama receivers vs. LSU defensive backs:
- That’s college football at it’s best. The marquee matchup, especially at that position — we have some of the best defensive backs in the country. They have some of the best wide receivers, they have Tua. It will be fun to watch.
On freshmen playing in this game, are you nervous?
- No. We wouldn’t put guys in if they weren’t ready. I don’t view it as that. I like the pressure, it brings an attitude to your team.
On Tua and what he brings to Alabama and their talent:
- One of the highest levels I’ve ever seen in college football. Great coaching, great players — what everyone aspires to be. You want to win the title, sign top classes. And they are doing it.
On replacing White:
- We will look at several options. Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips will take over on the calls.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
