LSU and Georgia are not scheduled to play again until 2008, but lately they just seem to find reasons to get together.
The Tigers blasted past the Bulldogs in Atlanta in the 2003 SEC Championship game 34-17 en route to the BCS National Championship game.
Georgia blew out the Tigers 45-16 in Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., in 2004 to avenge LSU’s two victories the past season.
The SEC powerhouses will face off in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta on Saturday at the Georgia Dome. Game time is 5:05 p.m. Central Standard Time and will be broadcast nationally on CBS.
Despite the two victories in 2003, the 2004 loss is something several of the Tigers have kept fresh in their minds.
“We definitely remember it,” LSU senior center Rudy Niswanger said. “It’ll be in the back of our minds, but it’s not the biggest motivating factor. We have so many positive things going for us that motivate us.”
Aside from the conference title, LSU (10-1, 7-1 SEC) and Georgia (9-2, 6-2 SEC) will playing for the right to head back to Atlanta in January to take on West Virginia in the Sugar Bowl.
But another BCS shakeup could take place if either USC loses to cross-town rival UCLA or Texas falls to Colorado in the Big 12 Championship game. USC and Texas are ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the BSC standings.
According to junior safety LaRon Landry, who ranks first on the team with three interceptions, the team remembers Georgia’s blowout victory last season.
“We still have that taste in our mouth from last year,” Landry said. “I know we’re going to go out there and play ball. It’s revenge – it’s really become a rivalry game.”
For most players, the newly instilled rivalry dates back to 2003, when LSU came out with a flair of dramatics after defeating Georgia 17-10 following a game-winning touchdown catch by senior Skyler Green.
The two met again in the SEC title game, with LSU’s victory propelling them to a 21-14 victory over Oklahoma in the national championship game.
In Georgia’s 29-point victory the following season, quarterback David Greene tossed five touchdowns and turned the ball over three times.
But with Greene having graduated, Georgia is led by quarterback DJ Shockley. Shockley ranks second in the conference in passing yardage per game, averaging 219.9 yards per game.
Senior defensive tackle Kyle Williams said LSU’s defense will need to focus on Shockley.
“He presents a real double threat,” Williams said. “We have to keep him in the pocket and stop him from getting out.”
Shockley has thrown 19 touchdowns on the year while tossing just five interceptions.
“We need to contain the quarterback and stop the run,” Landry said. “It’s the same thing we’ve always worked on.”
In his career against LSU, Shockley has gone 3 of 9 with 37 yards and no touchdowns.
Aside from Shockley’s gaudy numbers this season, LSU coach Les Miles said Georgia has the ability to lean on its strong defense.
“[Georgia] plays for the defense and special teams,” Miles said. “Their offense is dangerous, but is able to play conservatively knowing they’re backed by a strong defense.”
Georgia ranks No. 5 in the nation in scoring defense, while LSU ranks one spot ahead at No. 4.