Opening Statement…
“To recap the Appalachian State
game, I understand that the Appalachian State student body donated $20,000 to
the LSU Student Relief Fund associated with the Katrina incident. I think that’s
a tremendous piece of work for the student population. They are to be commended,
and certainly it’s nice that they keep us in their
prayers.
“The game felt like it went as we
would have wanted. Certainly we would have liked to have played a little better,
but it’s a team that has played two opponents prior to a major conference
battle. I think their approach was good and solid, though not necessarily
emotional. I think that will change as we go forward.”
On the Alabama
game…
“We look forward to Alabama. This is a game
that has been looming on the horizon for some time. I think our kids are excited
to prepare for it and look forward to playing our best opponent, and certainly
Alabama could
be that.”
On what Alabama QB Brodie Croyle
does so well….
“He can really throw it. He
obviously came off an injury, and he is the leader of their team. He is very
smart with the ball. I think (he’s only had) four interceptions on the year. He
just really does exactly what they ask him to do.”
On where he sees the strength of
Alabama’s
defense…
“I think their force unit, their
front seven, is probably as good of a front seven as we have seen. They are very
capable at linebacker. They are a very talented defensive line, a physical group
who can run. They substitute a number of people in there, and every guy who goes
in plays extremely well. They understand the scheme, and they play within it
very effectively.”
On the injury status of the
team…
“I think that we’ll be healthier
than we’ve been in quite some time. We got (running back) Joseph Addai a couple
of snaps on Saturday, and he seems to be much better today. I think that he’ll
be fresh and better apt to play against Alabama. I think there will be a number of
guys regaining health. We didn’t lose anybody to speak of in Saturday’s
performance.”
On why Alabama’s defense has
been so effective…
“What they’ve done is that they’ve
really stayed consistent with their scheme. They’ve played it from the beginning
to the end, and their guys are getting better at playing their technique. I
think that they put pressure on the passer pretty routinely. I don’t think they
have to cover very long, but when they’re counted on to provide coverage they do
a great job. I think it’s scheme and personnel. They get to the passer pretty
regularly and they’ll make you throw it.”
On if it is necessary to set any
certain for a big game like this…
“I don’t think there will be anyone
in an LSU helmet that will need extra motivation. I think this is a game where
we get to play for the lead and control our destiny, and I think that’s all that
our team will need to prepare to play well.”