Two West Virginia natives and former Kent State graduates will match X’s and O’s Saturday. LSU coach Nick Saban leads the Tigers (5-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) into battle against South Carolina (4-2,1-2 SEC) coached by Lou Holtz – one of the most entertaining college football coaches.
Both coaches hold each other in high esteem despite being more than a generation apart in age.
Holtz, in his fifth season at USC, has coached the Gamecocks to a 26-27 record (14-21 SEC). He is in his 32nd year as a head coach with a combined record of 242-122-7 (.652), including a national championship with Notre Dame in 1988.
Saban, in his fourth season at LSU, has coached the Tigers to a 31-13 record (17-10 SEC). He is in his 10th year as a head coach with a combined record of 50-27-1 (.641).
Saban said he respects Holtz for his ability to adapt to the changes in college football during his three decades as a coach.
“I think Lou Holtz is probably one of the best coaches that ever coached college football,” Saban said. “He’s been pretty innovative and he’s actually changed with the times in terms of what he does.
“He ran the option when he had an option quarterback and now they go four-wide and do a lot of things that are much more innovative relative to the times in college football.”
Holtz always finds a way to stay in the game, Saban said. He said USC had a chance to defeat Tennessee earlier this season before losing 23-20 in overtime – an example of Holtz keeping his team in the game.
“I think one thing that has always remained constant with him as a coach is he has always had a disciplined team,” Saban said. “They always play the game and stay in the game, and they have a chance to win the game in most cases … that’s the sign of an outstanding coach.”
Holtz also respects Saban for his team’s toughness and determination.
“He’s an excellent coach,” Holtz said. “I’ve followed his career over the years and he’s had success wherever he’s been. His teams play hard and play physical. Their defensive scheme is complicated and diverse.”
Holtz said the thing that worries him most about Saturday’s game is that LSU comes off a 19-7 defeat to Florida last week.
“”I worry about the fatigue of our football team, mentally and physically,” Holtz said. “LSU is a very tough team, particularly after a loss.
“The basic axiom is that you don’t want to play a team that’s winning after a loss, and you don’t want to play a team that’s losing after a win.”
LSU defensive tackle Chad Lavalais said Holtz has to motivate USC, but he does not listen to criticism or praise given to LSU outside of the program.
“Whatever you’ve got to do to motivate your team, you have to do it,” Lavalais said. “I don’t even listen to that.”
Tigers cornerback Randall Gay said he remembers Holtz downplaying the Gamecocks and praising LSU last year.
He said the rhetoric is just entertainment for the media.
“That’s the kind of coach he is,” Gay said. “He probably tells the media one thing and the team another.”
Saban said he thinks Holtz is definitely the most entertaining SEC coach – a profession that needs a little comic relief.
“He’s got a great sense of humor,” Saban said. “He is by far the most entertaining coach in our SEC coaches meetings, which needs a little spirit. His team obviously understands that and it doesn’t bother them.”
USC linebacker Marcus Lawrence said Holtz’s comments always motivate him. He said Holtz just wants the best for the team.
“He’s a great motivator,” Lawrence said. “He’s a very good coach. He wants everything to be perfect.
“We just go out and play hard every game whether he’s down on us or praising us.”
Gamecocks quarterback Dondrial Pinkins said he considers it a privilege to play for Holtz. He said Holtz has experienced everything college football has to offer and knows exactly what he is doing.
“It’s actually one of the most exciting things for me,” Pinkins said. “He knows the game like the back of his hand. In your mind, you might wonder if what he’s doing is the right thing, but he’s been in every situation before.”