The Bowl Championship Series Committee announced LSU will go head-to-head against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl despite lobbying by Gov. Kathleen Blanco for the Rose and Orange bowls. The Sugar Bowl will be held in New Orleans on Jan. 3. Blanco spoke to the Rose and Orange bowl committees about the Tigers’ possible spot in the lineup prior to the announcement. Some fans quickly began to criticize Blanco’s move, citing her rumored preference of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Her motives were questioned, and some cited her decision to host a ULL tailgate when the Tigers and Ragin Cajuns faced off earlier this season. Chancellor Sean O’Keefe said he was happy to learn about Blanco’s support. “I am delighted to see her enthusiasm always,” he said. “She’s a very strong supporter and proponent of the University.” Michael Bonnette, sports information director, said the deciding factor for the BCS committees had to do with the football team’s performance, not Blanco’s comments to the committees. “The biggest impact is what we’ve done on the football field and that our fans have gobbled up 40,000 tickets,” he said. “The Rose Bowl has its own agenda. We appreciate what the governor said, but I think they’ll pick the two best teams for that bowl and consider the fan base.” Marie Centanni, Blanco’s press secretary, said it is a common practice for governors to contact the BCS committees if a college football team in their state is a prospect for a bowl game.
Centanni said Blanco did not believe her actions would be negatively construed. “Calling can only help,” she said. “She’s a Tiger fan and will do anything to help the school.” Some students were apprehensive toward Blanco’s contact with the BCS committees. Anthony Percell, biochemistry sophomore, said he thinks Blanco’s intentions are sincere, but she should not interfere with the normal selection process. He said some people will blame Blanco because LSU was not selected for the Rose or Orange bowls. “I think she sees it as a good economic chance for Louisiana,” he said. Robert McAlister, mass communication junior, said the governor’s office needs to focus on other things, like hurricane relief efforts. “Even though Kathleen Blanco went to ULL, she realizes it will mean a lot of prominence for LSU,” he said. Blanco issued a statement after the announcement yesterday. She said she called coach Les Miles to congratulate him and the football team on their selection. “LSU’s participation in the Sugar Bowl undoubtedly makes this signature event’s return home to Louisiana extra sweet for all of us,” she said in her statement. “LSU will take to the field of the newly renovated Louisiana Superdome for the first time, and Tiger fans can’t wait to cheer the team on.” Blanco said the game will be “another great moment in LSU history.”
—–Contact Angelle Barbazon at [email protected]