Players and coordinators from both LSU and No. 14 Georgia Tech addressed the media Monday about preparations they’ve made about the upcoming Chick-fil-A Bowl.
For both teams, this bowl represents a chance to set things in order.
LSU underachieved this season, losing three of its last four games, but would count a win Wednesday night as a step in the right direction and a motivational boost in preparations for next year’s campaign.
“We came into this season with high hopes, and we kind of had a disappointing season,” said LSU junior running back Charles Scott. “We’re looking at this last game as trying to go out on a good note and give these seniors a last memory at LSU as a positive one.”
And for Georgia Tech, the game provides an opportunity to silence critics who have said its defense cannot contain dual-threat quarterbacks.
“For a lot of us it’s like redemption from Virginia Tech when we played a quarterback similar to [LSU freshman Jordan Jefferson] in Tyrod Taylor,” said Georgia Tech freshman linebacker Kyle Jackson. “Having an opportunity to come back and show ourselves again against an athletic quarterback … gives our defense a chance to show we are capable of handling an athletic quarterback.”
One of the many problem areas for LSU this season has been the inconsistent play of its defense, and the hot topic Monday was how it would hope to contain Georgia Tech triple-option rushing attack that entered the bowl season No. 3 in rushing yards.
“We’re fortunate to have time to prepare for an offense like Georgia Tech,” said LSU co-defensive coordinator Doug Mallory said. “To get ready for these guys in one week would be a difficult task. They create a different approach with the triple option. I feel like we’ve had two good weeks of preparation.”
The Tigers said their main focus would be to play assignment football for four full quarters and not allow themselves to let down on any plays because of the explosiveness of the Tech offensive scheme.
“Our offense is designed not to lose yards,” said Georgia tech freshman A-back Roddy Jones. “If we’re getting three yards per play and driving down the field, it’s great, but it’s also an offense with a lot of capability for big plays.”
Another key topic for the Tigers was Jefferson’s progression at quarterback.
Jefferson will be making only his second start this season when he takes the field Wednesday, but Scott and LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton both said they are confident in his abilities because of what they have seen in practice.
“I’ve seen a lot [from the quarterbacks] in these past two or three weeks,” Crowton said. “It’s been exciting and I think the future is really bright in that area.”
Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Dave Wommack also praised Jefferson and said because of his abilities, the Yellow Jacket defense would have to implement more wrinkles into the game plan.
“You can really tell that he’s going to be a great quarterback,” he said. “He’s a very athletic quarterback, and he also has a very strong arm.”
With the word in Baton Rouge being former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis will be assuming the same position at LSU next season, Mallory was asked whether or not he had made a decision on accepting a job offer to coach New Mexico’s defense.
“I have not,” he said. “My focus right now is on these players and on this bowl game.”