LSU interim head coach Ed Orgeron enjoys energy drinks.
How many does he drink in one day?
“Enough!” he said.
Orgeron said he’s an early morning guy, which is enough to get LSU ready for its first morning kickoff of the season against No. 18 Florida at 11 a.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Orgeron looked back on Monday, reviewing LSU’s play in its 42-7 win against Missouri.
“What a tremendous night for the Tiger family,” he said.
LSU’s offense, which posted a school record against a Southeastern Conference opponent with 634 total yards, executed the way he expected.
“The goal was to be very efficient … and put the ball in our playmakers’ hands in space,” he said.
LSU’s next opponent: Florida.
“This is a rivalry game for us, and we understand that,” Orgeron said.
Florida is LSU’s final SEC East matchup this season. LSU will sweep the division with a win for the third-straight year. The Tigers have won the six straight games against the SEC East, dating back to its last loss against Georgia in 2013.
Orgeron suggested he expects Florida redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Del Rio to start after returning from injury.
Florida coach Jim McElwain said senior Purdue transfer Austin Appleby — who’s thrown 23 for 39 in two games for 296 yards — will start if Del Rio remains injured.
“I’m very familiar with Luke Del Rio,” Orgeron said.
Orgeron, too, complimented Florida’s defense, which leads the SEC in sacks per game at 3.80, scoring defense at 11.8 points per game and rush defense at 90.6 yards per game.
“[Florida] defensive coordinator Geoff Collins is one of the best in the country,” Orgeron said.
To counter the rowdy morning environment at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Orgeron said LSU will begin to “simulate crowd noise” at Tuesday’s practice.
Fournette update
Orgeron remains unsure of junior running back Leonard Fournette’s availability.
Fournette missed Saturday’s 42-7 win versus Missouri — where LSU scored six rushing touchdowns — because of a lingering ankle injury. Fournette was not seen at LSU’s Monday practice, which was open to the media.
“I don’t know if he’s going to play,” the coach said. “I think he’s going to be day-by-day, that’s the honest thing.”
Other injuries
Orgeron said Toby Weathersby, who has an ankle injury, and Will Clapp, who has a shoulder injury, will be “out for some time.”
“Toby’s going to be out for a little bit,” he said. “Will’s going to be out for a little bit.”
Weathersby has missed LSU’s last two games against Auburn and Missouri after an ankle was rolled by a falling fellow teammate against Mississippi State.
Clapp, who was wearing a brace on the injured shoulder in LSU’s game versus Missouri, went down in the second quarter on Saturday, clutching the same shoulder. He returned to the game once before being sidelined again.
You can follow Christian Boutwell, @CBoutwell_