After two weeks of delays from Hurricane Katrina, No. 5 LSU will begin its 2005 season Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
After the home opener against North Texas was postponed, LSU moved this weekend’s game against No. 15 Arizona State, 1-0, to Tempe, Ariz.
“There are considerable logistical issues that either affect the execution of a football game or detract from providing recovery services in this time of need,” Chancellor Sean O’Keefe said Monday at a press conference.
All proceeds from the game will be donated to the hurricane relief effort.
For Coach Les Miles, Saturday’s game will represent a level of respect for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
“Our school, and certainly our football team, is respectful of the loss, both in life and physical property, as well as the way of life for many people who support LSU and LSU athletics and our football team,” Miles said. “When we take the field, we will do so with respect for that tragedy.”
Miles said the team is ready to play, despite not opening at home.
“I think our guys will enjoy playing football, whether it’s home or away,” Miles said. “I think they’ll enjoy those three hours or so that they’re allowed to go out there and play. They’re looking forward to that.”
Miles said Arizona State has proved strong in every facet of the game.
“They have the earmark of a nationally ranked team in three phases — offense, defense and special teams,” Miles said. “And they’re extremely talented on special teams.”
Junior Jesse Ainsworth, ASU’s place kicker, finished the 2004 season as the team’s leader in points scored with 94.
Arizona State, coming off a 63-16 win at home against Temple last week, is led by senior receiver Derek Hagan.
A 2005 Playboy preseason All-American, Hagan caught three passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns in Arizona State’s season opener.
According to Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter, senior safety Maurice London will also play a vital role.
“He knows the defense and makes a lot of the calls out there,” Koetter said. “Maurice is the type of guy when he’s playing with confidence, he is playing at his best.”
Despite the loss of junior running back Alley Broussard, Koetter said LSU’s backfield may prove dangerous.
“It’s going to take much more than our front line to contain their run,” Koetter said. “It’s going to take all 11 guys.”
Miles said the home game scheduled for Sept. 24 against Tennessee is a game he will remember.
“At the right time, when I’m fortunate enough to be the head coach of LSU and we enter Tiger Stadium to play a home game, I’ll be very happy,” Miles said.
Contact Jeff Sentell at [email protected]