NEW ORLEANS — The LSU football continued its preparations for the upcoming Sugar Bowl, as the Tigers worked out in the Superdome for just over two hours on Thursday afternoon.
LSU arrived at the Dome shortly before noon and worked out until just past 2 p.m. at which time players met with the media, while head coach Nick Saban had his first press conference afterwards, meeting with members of the media for nearly 45 minutes at the Hyatt.
“This bowl game is a fantastic opportunity for us,” said Saban. “To have the opportunity to play a team the quality of the Big Ten champion Illinois, a team that we feel is obviously one of the best in the country, is a great boost for the direction of this program.
“Our players and families have really enjoyed their stay here in New Orleans so far. New Orleans has been very warm in welcoming our community and we certainly appreciate that. Our players have had a great attitude in their preparations so far. I think we’ve had two very good, very productive practices so far which has built upon what I felt were six good practices in Baton Rouge before we headed down here.”
LSU’s second workout of the week was one of its most strenuous, as the team worked on individual and 9-on-7 drills before ending the practice with conditioning.
The Tigers return to the Dome on Friday for their third of six workouts in New Orleans before playing the Fighting Illini on Jan. 1. Afterwards, LSU defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs will meet with the media at a press conference, as will several standouts from the Tiger defense. Also on the agenda for the Tigers on Friday will be a visit to the pediatric ward at a local hospital.