LSU coach Ed Orgeron addressed the media before Saturday’s game against Southeastern Conference rival, Alabama.
“Tremendous challenge for the Tigers,” Orgeron said. “We’re ready for it. We’re going to have a great day tomorrow and finish up the details and our game plan. You can tell it’s Alabama week, it’s a different vibe around here”

Attacking Alabama
Orgeron is 0-4 against Nick Saban’s team, including his three years as head coach at Ole Miss and one year as LSU’s interim.
“In this game, it’s got to be about LSU,” Orgeron said. “We’ve got to execute and do the things we can do. You’ve got to play solid football and do the things that you can do well.”
Despite being a 21-point underdog to the Crimson Tide, Orgeron calls it a “non-factor”.
Alabama has not played anything similar to offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s dynamic offense yet this season, and Orgeron hopes the shifts and motions will present a challenge.
“Obviously [Saban] does a good job of fixing formations he’s always done that,” Orgeron said. “He’s done a good job of defending us the past several years and I’m sure they’ll have good plan again. I don’t think it’s what you do, it’s how you execute it.”.
Orgeron emphasizes the importance of protection and execution against a strong Alabama defense. If the team cannot protect, there’s no chance, Orgeron said.
“It’s execution,” Orgeron said. “Being in the right place at the right time all the time. Matching intensity level. Prepare your guys, but don’t over prepare. You don’t want to win the game on Tuesday or Wednesday at practice. You have to explode on Saturday night at 7 p.m. and you have to play for 60 minutes. The game isn’t won then, it’s won on Saturday night.
Assessing injuries
Sophomore wide receiver Dee Anderson started the season out with an injury but has made an impact in recent practices and in last week’s annual Tiger Bowl. 
“He’s going to play a little bit,” Orgeron said. “He’s coming along, maturing and doing the right things. Tremendous talents, but still has a ways to go.”
Senior offensive tackle K.J. Malone is still listed as “questionable” this week. He has not appeared in a game since tweaking his knee in LSU’s 17-16 win over Florida.
Starting linebacker to be decided
Orgeron said that the starting inside linebacker between freshman Tyler Taylor and senior Donnie Alexander will be a game time decision.
“Tyler or Donnie may start, [defensive coordinator Dave Aranda] is going to handle that,” Orgeron said. “We’ve still got some work to do during the week.
Taylor has appeared in all eight games and started three, including a start on the road at Ole Miss where he totaled four tackles.