Ed Orgeron has found his way to the SEC Championship Game for the first time, and the LSU coach has made it clear how ready and capable his team is for a victory over Georgia.
“This is not too big for our football team, our team can handle this,” Orgeron said at his Monday press conference. “Our coaching staff can handle this. It’s going to be about beating Georgia.”
LSU is expected to do just that, a 7-point favorite over the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It’s Georgia’s third straight trip to the SEC title game, and Orgeron said he knows he’s going to get the Bulldogs’ best shot, but he’s not worried.
“They’re going to play their best, man, this is their third time here in a row, they’re going to be hungry,” Orgeron said. “They’re well-coached. We beat them last year, so they have a little chip on their shoulder. Know what I’m saying?”
Of course, the Tigers have something to prove, too.
“What I am confident in our football team, they’re very confident in their abilities, very confident in their abilities to adjust during the game,” Orgeron said. “I think we have an excellent coaching staff that people can throw whatever they want after us. We’re going to have answers and players that can do it.”
And if you are wondering why Orgeron is so confident, the Tigers’ ring leader doesn’t mind telling you about the offense directed by Heisman Trophy favorite Joe Burrow.
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“On offense, I have to mention these things, I usually don’t, but I think it’s time to mention them, give our guys credit where credit is due,” Orgeron said. “LSU record for points in a season, 584. Scored 50 points, a record six times. 40 or more points 10 times, school record. Joe set the SEC passing record. Tied for passing TDs.
“Clyde (Edwards-Helaire), the year he has had, 1,233 yards rushing. Leads the SEC in rushing TDs with 16. Two one-thousand-yard receivers. Ja’Marr (Chase) is one TD away for tying the SEC record.”
There’s more, for all the recruits out there that Orgeron said need to hear the message.
“Cade York, first time an LSU kicker gets two 50-yard field goals (in the same game), leads the SEC in scoring,” Orgeron said. Have to say that. Good for returning recruits to hear that. Our recruiting is going phenomenal now, they want to be in our system and play here.”
Orgeron and LSU have been through a lot to get to this point, and the confidence and excitement emanating from Baton Rouge is unmistakable.
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