WATCH: Ed Orgeron credits former LSU LB Duke Riley for inspiring team’s turnaround

The LSU Tigers have new life, and head coach Ed Orgeron credits one former player for the Tigers quick turnaround this season.

LSU was 3-2 on the season after a 24-21 home loss to Troy. It was a bad loss for the Tigers and put Orgeron on the hot seat. The future did not look great for the Tigers as LSU was preparing for a road matchup with Florida and a home game against No. 10 Auburn.

There was not a lot of optimism heading into those two games, but LSU found a way to get two crucial victories. The Tigers held on to a 17-16 victory over Florida and mounted a 20-point comeback in knocking off Auburn at home.

LSU is playing like a rejuvenated team, and Orgeron credits former LSU LB and current Atlanta Falcon Duke Riley for helping to turn the team around:

The true turnaround of this football team came when @1Goal1Dream spoke to our team. pic.twitter.com/G97EWm8zGF

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 16, 2017

Coach O also thanked the crowd for their support against Auburn and said the presence of many ex-Tigers and current NFL players was a big encouragement on the sideline Saturday:

The fans and our current and former @NFL players on the sideline helped us to victory on Saturday in Death Valley! pic.twitter.com/aTueSK7qYm

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 16, 2017

LSU is now 5-2 and up to No. 24 in the AP Poll. The Tigers will take on Ole Miss on the road this weekend with a chance to keep their hot streak alive. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 7:15 pm EST on ESPN.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.