LSU has ‘lot of motivation left’ ahead of Alabama game, Ed Orgeron says

When LSU and Alabama return from their open dates to meet in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 6, the swiftness of Ed Orgeron’s downfall as Tigers coach will be striking.

Orgeron will walk back into Bryant-Denny Stadium as a lame-duck coach two years after a 2019 win over Alabama propelled LSU to an SEC West crown and a national title.

The Tigers are 9-9 since the beginning of 2020, prompting Orgeron’s negotiated exit at the end of this season. Alabama is 20-1, with only one loss and none at home.

Orgeron, however, said Monday he has not thought about his upcoming final trip to play Alabama as LSU’s coach.

“I don’t look at it like that. I don’t have time to look at it like that,” he said. “Again, it’s not me. It’s not about me. It’s about me representing these young men. I take it one day at a time. Today we’re working on self-scout. I think I’m gonna worry about that when it’s all said and done. I’ll look at it and say it fly by fast.

“But until then, I’m not even gonna think about it.”

The school announced Orgeron’s departure Oct. 17 but the coach believes LSU players still have shown “want-to,” including in their 31-17 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday.

“I do believe a week off is going to help,” he added. “I do believe us playing Alabama next week -- not much has to be said. It shouldn’t be, because of the type of team Alabama is. We’re going on the road to play them.

“So I think our guys are going to want to finish out. There’s a lot of guys that are in their last year and want to finish out and want to play great. There are some young guys that want to prove themselves. I think there’s a lot of motivation.

“In fact, I know there’s a lot of motivation left. There’s a lot of motivation on our staff. Our practices have been energized. Nothing has gone down on our practices in terms of energy and the volume our players are putting out. I believe this is going to be a strong finish.”

Alabama has won nine of its past 10 games against LSU, including a 55-17 blowout in Baton Rouge last fall.

“[They’re] very good again,” Orgeron said of Alabama. “I watched them play on TV when we see them. Obviously, a very well-coached football team. Very talented. Very disciplined.”

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.