When the No. 2 LSU football team hits the road and ventures into an opposing team’s stadium, no amount of noise or tradition distracts from the team’s goal.
For the third time in four games, the Tigers will be setting up shop away from home this weekend when they play West Virginia in Morgantown.
Much has been said about the environment in the Mountaineers’ home stadium, Milan Puskar Stadium. Their mascot — a bearded man dressed head to toe in Mountaineer garb — riles the crowd with a pregame musket shot. Their fans also perform a sing-along version of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at every game.
Despite the rich tradition, LSU players say they won’t be intimidated when they take the field.
“Honestly, I really don’t pay attention to away stadiums,” said sophomore defensive end Sam Montgomery. “I really can’t say that there’s ever been an intimidation factor anywhere I’ve venues.”
Sophomore defensive back Tharold Simon said “Alabama is going to be a real rowdy game,” and he’s excited to make his first trip there as a Tiger. Simon said while it will surely be loud, it’s not intimidating.
“I just can’t wait to get to that game,” Simon said. “It doesn’t matter who’s business.”
The consensus among LSU football players seems that while an opposing team’s venue may be impressive, once the game starts, all that matters is completing the task at hand.
“It doesn’t matter where you play or where you go,” Montgomery said. “When you’re out there on the field — ESPN, the referees, your coaches — no one can save