With each new series of questions asked on the first day of SEC Media Days, a question about the dominant Alabama Crimson Tide was sure to be heard. Nearly every coach and every player was posed a question about Nick Saban’s squad, and that trend did not stop with LSU Head Coach, Ed Orgeron.
When asked about Les Miles’ inability to be successful against Alabama, as reason to be fired from the program, Orgeron hid behind nothing.
“Obviously, there are a lot of people on our schedule that are very, very good football teams so we can’t just point to Alabama,” he started, “but, they are the benchmark and I understand that the head coach at LSU must beat Alabama.”
Despite the Fighting Tigers not having beaten the Tide in the last six tries, Ed Orgeron felt the ‘gap’ between the two teams not to be much of one at all.
“Last year was a tight game…it was 0-0 going into the third quarter. Their quarterback made two plays, we didn’t. I don’t know if it’s that big of a gap. I think we need to play our football.”
Though Les Miles was fired after a loss to the Auburn Tigers in 2016, it is clear that the Board felt the lack of wins against Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide teams far outweighed the two national championships he had his team playing in. Ultimately, he became stubborn and refused to adapt his offense despite numerous lackluster years in the production department.
As far as Orgeron goes, he seems to be much more willing to do what needs to be done. As evidenced by the new hiring of offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. In addition to the changes on offense, he also feels there is another key to beating Alabama:
“You have to recruit on their level…coach your team very well…and get your team ready to play.”
He wrapped up his answer by once again reminding the media how small feels the gap truly is.
“Again, last year, we weren’t that far off.”
We will find out on November 4th in Tuscaloosa.
Jake Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
