The LSU football team will play its first game in a hostile environment Saturday when it travels to Athens, Ga., for a top-10 showdown against Georgia.
LSU coach Les Miles told the media Monday his No. 6 Tigers can’t wait for the opportunity to play between the hedges.
“Our guys are looking forward to it,” Miles said. “Know it is going to be a great environment. We will do our part to prepare and give us all a great game.”
The matchup features two teams that have shown similar patterns early in 2013.
Contrary to recent history, LSU enters the week prepared to go toe-to-toe offensively with the high-powered Bulldogs, led by senior quarterback Aaron Murray — who will be starting in his 45th straight game — and sophomore running back Todd Gurley.
“I don’t think you rattle a guy like [Murray],” Miles said. “You pressure him with coverage and disguise. … Todd Gurley is a physical back that can run with deception and speed. We certainly recognize his abilities.”
The Tigers have recorded more than 400 yards in each of their first four games the season for the first time in LSU history, and senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger’s play has him rated second in the Southeastern Conference behind Murray.
LSU sophomore running back Jeremy Hill has also exploded since seeing significant playing time in two games so far this season. His 350 rushing yards on 42 carries puts him at No. 4 in the SEC right behind Gurley, who has tallied 377 yards in 63 carries.
Despite the similarities, Miles said his concerns lie only with the Tigers’ performance.
“I think certainly both schools have their similarities and their differences,” he said. “Yeah, I can imagine that somebody could make some comparisons. I am just so comfortable in this purple and gold that it is hard for me to figure it any other way.”
LSU has yet to play a game in an opponent’s venue this season, but Miles said he believes the Tigers’ season-opening trip to Dallas was a good way to ease them into road games and preparation with loud music and crowd noise has them ready to play in any environment.
He also said LSU will rely on an experienced group of veteran players to keep the team focused on the task at hand.
“The young guys that are developing with experience understand what it is going to take to win in a tough environment,” Miles said. “I think it will be a great challenge to them. I think they are looking forward to it. I am really kind of looking forward to it myself.”
“The young guys that are developing with experience understand what it is going to take to win in a tough environment. I think it will be a great challenge to them. I think they are looking forward to it. I am really kind of looking forward to it myself.”