Electric atmosphere
Electricity seemed to be the theme of LSU’s 31-7 rout of Auburn in Tiger Stadium. With the game delayed 19 minutes because of possible lightning nearby, none of the pre-game festivities, such as honoring Tommy Hodson, Eddie Fuller and the 1958 national championship took place.
LSU coach Nick Saban said the aura surrounding the game was incredible. He said the energy from the fans was tremendous.
“What a great atmosphere to play a football game in,” Saban said. “Our fans were tremendous. The excitement before this game was electric. I think our players came out and played that way early in the game, and it helped us get a jump in the game – which was really important to the momentum of the game. [Auburn] is a team that would probably rather play from ahead than behind. That probably helped us.”
Saban said he handled the situation differently than when the game was delayed in the UL-Monroe game on Aug. 30.
“I think we managed it a little bit better this time than we did last time,” Saban said. “We just came in, let the players go in the locker room, turn the music on. Last time, we brought them all [in the media room] like it was halftime. That’s the first time I’ve had a situation like that. We did some research on it, thought about it and I think it was less disruptive to us this time than before. I think it was because of the way we managed it. I think we were ready to go when we went out there and that was obvious.”
LSU the musical
Saban said the music the players listenend to during the break was not exactly what he listens to.
“[That’s] not the music that I listen to,” he said. “We went to see ‘Radio’ last night, and I always listen to Al Green in my car on the way back. They really don’t understand back in the day when it was really the right thing. That’s what Radio was listening to, Al Green, so the players know I’m right now.”
Quarterback Matt Mauck laughed when he was asked about what music the players listenend to.
“It was rap music,” he said.
24-hour rule
Saban stressed the importance of not looking past LSU’s next opponent, Louisiana Tech, which beat Michigan State on Sept. 13. That loss is MSU’s only one of the season. He said LSU has its traditional 24 hours to enjoy Saturday’s win.
“It was a great win for our team,” Saban said. “Now, you know, like any coach, I already said something about we’re going to enjoy this win for 24 hours. I know nobody wants to talk about it. But as a coach, you don’t want anybody to rain on your parade the next week. I told that to the players. We are playing a team that beat Michigan State this year. We’ve got to do this the right way. We’ve got to enjoy it for 24 hours and then go out and do it again.
Back in the end zone
Wide receiver Michael Clayton, who had six catches for 59 yards, scored his first touchdown since the Western Illinois game. Clayton had 11 receptions in that game. He said getting back in the end zone is a nice feeling.
“It feels real good,” Clayton said. “It always feels good to get in the end zone. Hopefully in the future we can get in more.”
Saban praises fans’ enthusiasm Saturday
October 25, 2003