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Ed Orgeron gives his initial thoughts on Oklahoma, possible playoff expansion
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
After its win over Georgia in the SEC Championship, LSU coach Ed Orgeron stated that the team would be ready to play wherever the College Football Playoff committee slotted them.
The Tigers finished ranked No. 1, set to do battle in the Peach Bowl against No. 4 Oklahoma with a spot in the national championship game on the line.
“He’s done a tremendous job at Oklahoma,” Orgeron said of Riley during a media teleconference on Sunday. “Oklahoma has a great tradition, outstanding football team. It’s going to be an outstanding battle. We’re excited to go back to Atlanta and play the College Football Playoff.”
LSU is familiar with Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts during his time with Alabama, so while there won’t be any surprises to the Tigers defense when it comes to his playing style, Orgeron understands that the graduate transfer presents several unique challenges.
“He’s an outstanding player, and he actually beat us with his feet,” he said. “He made big plays with his feet, and he threw the ball very well. I haven’t watched him at all this year, but I have watched Coach Riley’s offense, especially that counter read. I’ve asked him about it. I think they’re one of the best in the country in running what they do on offense. They’re very difficult to stop.”
While the expansion of the four-team field seems to be a discussion each year, Orgeron stated that he felt player safety needed to be considered if such a move takes place in the future.
“Obviously, if they expand it, they expand it. If they don’t, they don’t,” he said. “I do know this: I think it would be tough on the team, the wear and tear on the football team. They would need to be careful.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
