The intensity of Georgia week could be felt throughout the room when LSU coach Les Miles burst through the doors and approached the podium for his Wednesday press conference.
Before opening the floor for questions, Miles gave the room a pep talk, then he dove right in to the business of the weekend contest.
Miles reviewed the playing statuses of several defensive players, saying both sophomore defensive back Micah Eugene and junior safety Ronald Martin will be ready to go when the squad travels to Athens, Ga. on Saturday.
Sophomore defensive tackle Quentin Thomas is expected to practice today, and he may get the opportunity to play this weekend, according to Miles.
Miles also said senior linebacker Tahj Jones is still “a little nicked,” but he thinks he will play against Georgia.
LSU last played at Sanford Stadium on Oct. 3, 2009, in a 20-13 victory, meaning the 2013 roster hasn’t experienced the Athens crowd before.
Playing between the hedges will bring a new challenge for an LSU team that has only played one game away from Tiger Stadium this season — the opener against TCU at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.
“I think there’s some first-time experiences with our team at Georgia,” Miles said. “I do recognize that Georgia is a wonderful place to play. The venue is magnificent. I think some guys have understood the position we’ll be in that stadium.”
The Georgia experience is nothing new for senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who was a part of the Bulldogs program for one season before transferring to Butler Community College.
His return to Athens has sparked plenty of talk around Baton Rouge, but Miles said he wanted to downplay his quarterback’s trip home.
“The story line is really only significant to those people who are asking the question that feel like this game needs to be more interesting than it already is,” Miles said. “I think this is a very good match up.”
Mettenberger, who has thrown for 1026 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games, will look to scorch a Bulldogs passing defense that ranks ninth in the Southeastern Conference, allowing 245.3 yards per game through the air.
Miles said his quarterback’s potential performance should be the primary story line.
“The thing of going back to Georgia is so not an issue with this team,” Miles said. “[Mettenberger] is going back to Georgia with about 80 guys who are going to fight like hell for victory. His responsibility is to play quarterback and fit in. He’s going to wear purple and gold… and that’s how he needs to operate it.”