BATON ROUGE ? LSU’s first full day in New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl was a busy one as the team participated in a couple of bowl-related activities while also squeezing in a two-hour practice session at the Louisiana Superdome.
The fourth-ranked Tigers and 11th-ranked Notre Dame square off in the 2007 Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3 at 7:25 p.m. The game will be televised to a national audience by Fox Sports.
Day two in New Orleans had the Tigers with an early wake up call as LSU, along with Notre Dame, attended an FCA Breakfast at the Hilton Riverside. The keynote speaker for the FCA Breakfast was New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who provided his testimonial and shared some of his past experiences with both of the teams.
“We were at the FCA breakfast this morning with our team, and (Saints quarterback) Drew Brees spoke and did a tremendous job,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “You can tell why the leadership at the Saints is so strong. I think he really typifies that team and how that season is going for them. I sure was fortunate to have our team hear him speak and give his testimony.”
The Tigers then were off to practice for a full squad workout at the Louisiana Superdome. It marked the first time the Tigers had been back to the Superdome since winning the 2003 BCS National Championship over Oklahoma. It also marked the first time in Superdome for many of the Tigers, including Miles, since the Hurricane Katrina ripped through the city in the fall of 2005.
“Practice was great,” Miles said. “We showed up at the dome with a little more energy in our step. The attention to detail was greater and we were really crisp. I enjoy that venue and what a beautiful place it’s going to be to play.”
Miles also used his post-practice press conference to explain how coming to New Orleans and having LSU be part of the first Sugar Bowl back in the Big Easy since Hurricane Katrina was emotional for his Tigers.
“It’s interesting,” Miles said, “you come in on I-10 and see the Superdome, and it brings back memories of Katrina. And as you go around the city, everyone seems to want to share and relive their experiences with that storm. I can tell you it’s an emotional event for us.
“We’re in Baton Rouge some distance from the storm, and yet we felt its effect and understood our responsibility to the state. But coming back and participating in this Sugar Bowl and being around our friends and supporters in this city brings to light. I think it’s fitting and it’s perfect. I couldn’t imagine anything but LSU playing in the first Sugar Bowl back in New Orleans after the storm. I think it’s just right, it has that feel to our team, and it certainly has that feel to me.”
It was fitting then that the Tigers then used a portion of their afternoon to participate in part of the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. Over 30 members of the squad boarded buses and headed to the Ninth Ward where they toured and volunteered at Musician’s Village, an area of New Orleans that is being rebuilt by the Habitat for Humanity.
Along the way, the Tigers witnessed first-hand the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, while also pitching in a helping the rebuilding process for close to two hours.
“This is a very significant piece of history that has taken place in this state and I’m proud that members of this team want to see it and remember it in more detail,” Miles said. “We want to do what we can to help the rebuilding process for this city. We also want to make sure that people watching our game understand that there is a tremendous effort going on in New Orleans to bring back this great city, but that there is such a long way still to go. That doesn’t need to be lost in the shuffle this week.”
The Tigers spent Friday night at a bowl-related dinner at the Dixie Road House where the team will enjoy more food New Orleans cuisine courtesy of the Sugar Bowl.
Saturday’s schedule will have the Tigers practicing at the Superdome in the morning followed by a press conference featuring offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher along with five offensive players.
Don’t forget to read MikeBlog and Chris Jackson’s Sugar Bowl diary daily.
December 29, 2006
Allstate Sugar Bowl Quotes
LSU Head Coach Les Miles
Opening statement
“We certainly have enjoyed the Sugar Bowl’s hospitality. The Hilton is a great venue. We got out last night and ate at Mulate’s. It was a great meal. Everything has been just tremendous. We’re off to a great week. We had one of our players with a death in the family. Ryan Perrilloux did not make practice today because he was at his grandmother’s funeral. My condolences go to the Perrillouxs. Certainly it’s not an event you enjoy. I know they’re having a difficult time.
“We were at the FCA breakfast this morning with our team, and (Saints quarterback) Drew Brees spoke and did a tremendous job. You can tell why the leadership at the Saints is so strong. I think he really typifies that team and how that season is going for them. I sure was fortunate to have our team hear him speak and give his testimony.
“Practice was great. We showed up at the dome with a little more energy in our step. The attention to detail was greater and we were really crisp. I enjoy that venue and what a beautiful place it’s going to be to play!
“It’s interesting. You come in on I-10 and see the Superdome, and it brings back memories of Katrina. And as you go around the city, everyone seems to want to share and relive their experiences with that storm. I can tell you it’s an emotional event for us. We’re in Baton Rouge some distance from the storm, and yet we felt its effect and understood our responsibility to the state. But coming back and participating in this Sugar Bowl and being around our friends and supporters in this city brings to light. I think it’s fitting and it’s perfect. I couldn’t imagine anything but LSU playing in the first Sugar Bowl back in New Orleans after the storm. I think it’s just right, it has that feel to our team, and it certainly has that feel to me.”
On having his players help with Hurricane Katrina relief
I took a moment at the end of practice today to tell them we’re going to Habitat for Humanity in Musicians’ Village where they’re reconstructing and constructing new homes for people. I did not make it mandatory, but I suggested very strongly that (is something they should do) in their lifetime. This is a very significant piece of history that has taken place in this state and that they should want to remember in more detail. So I suggested that they come and see what Habitat for Humanity is doing for this state and the fact that people are reclaiming land the storm had taken. I encourage them to see it and be a part. I’m sure that many of our guys have already done that, and the Miles family has gotten around to a tour on their own and we understood. A lot of guys are from and around the city and have taken the same tour. It’s great for our team to be involved with such a strong statement.”
On what he’s using to motivate his team so they don’t get complacent
“I don’t think there’s any way that our team is going to be complacent. This is a very capable Notre Dame football team that has skill at every position. All you have to do is watch the film and realize that this team we’re playing is very capable and very strong. The thing we’re using to motivate our football team is the recognition that they’re going to have to earn the victory. Victory isn’t just going to show up on Wednesday night. They have to go and take it. Certainly Notre Dame is making that same plan right now. We look forward to competing with that team.”
On how this team finds way to be competitive
This football team always in my opinion finds reasons to compete, and that’s a competitive heart. I think they look at sending off the ’06 seniors with their last victory and the opportunity to be the most honored LSU class in history; with this win they would top the all-time victory list in LSU history. It’s a great venue to play in front of friends and family in this state and in a city that’s very close to our heart. It’s a wonderful place and it’s going to be a wonderful time to play. I think our football team just looks to the opportunity to play and understand what victory gives them. There’s a lot to play for in this one.”
On how coaching in the NFL helps in the recruiting wars
“I know most young men see the NFL as a possible ending and an opportunity. I think opportunities are really spelled in playing in a great conference and playing in front of a group of people that will expect the most from you. Playing in the most competitive environment you can brings out the most in all of us. If they have that desire, we certainly play the style of football they’ll play in the NFL. I can’t imagine it’s any different for him (Charlie Weis). You’re recruiting national caliber athletes who are all inspired to play in that league. Certainly the experience that he and we have had benefits them.”
On if he thinks LSU has received the deserved national attention
“It doesn’t matter to me at all. The whole issue in coaching is where a team is and where they can be, and how can we get there and improve. This team has been a joy to coach. They’re competitive, want to win, want to play hard, want to be the best football team they can be, finish the season stronger than they started it, and as long as they come to practice and work hard every day I don’t worry much about acclaim or how it’s received.”
On going head-to-head with Notre Dame and coach Charlie Weis
“When you line up against a quality opponent and a strong coaching staff, it certainly tests you at a high level. I think anybody who enjoys competing would enjoy that test. So a Sugar Bowl match-up with two nationally ranked teams, not unlike the Peach Bowl match-up from a year ago, we look forward to that. We look forward to seeing how good we can be.”
On JaMarcus Russell’s progression and criticism on not being able to win the big game
“I just want to know who said that he had a difficult time winning the big games. Alabama was undefeated a year ago when we played there at their place and that was a big game, and the first game of the season a year ago Arizona State was a nationally ranked team. I think he’s won a lot of big games. I can’t imagine anyone would say that about him.
“What I can tell you about his development is that he can make all the throws. He’s a physically gifted man with great vision of the field. He’s very bright and understands where you want the ball to go and understands the style of throw he needs to make. He understands the protection schemes and what he’s looking at in a defense. He understands the rotation of the secondary. He’s just a tremendous competitor. I don’t know that there’s another quarterback in the country that I’d put on the field in the last drive and expect to win more than JaMarcus Russell. He expects to win, his team expects him to win, we expect those plays to be made. I can’t imagine anyone would say he can’t win the big game.
On the Saints and LSU both having successful seasons
“It’s been a difficult time for this city and our state, and Drew Brees comes and Reggie Bush and a new coach, and suddenly the Saints are playing like a team and playing well. I can tell you that we root for them hard. And the fact that the same circumstances brought LSU to the Sugar Bowl, I couldn’t have scripted it any better. Going into the last week of the season, the thought of playing in the Sugar Bowl was probably the third in my mind in likelihood. And yet the fact that we’re here I think it’s right. I can’t imagine it any other way to be honest. If I could have scripted it now looking back, I would have scripted it this way: LSU plays in the first Sugar Bowl back after the storm, the Saints have a great year; maybe there’s an overall plan to this.
Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis
On Traveling To New Orleans
“We had an opportunity the way this is scheduled on Jan. 3 it fits everybody’s schedule better because you are not forced to travel on Christmas Day. Our players all came in here before midnight on the 27th. We fed them yesterday and had a meeting and then did a little community service because we did not want to misconstrue it like PR. We just wanted to give our players a little taste of the devastation that actually occurred in this area because sometimes when you hear about it it is a little different than when you see it.
“Yesterday afternoon we went to the (New Orleans) Saints facilities and did our normal Sunday routine ? lifting and running. I’d like to thank the Saints for making their facility available to us. I spent some time with (New Orleans GM) Mr. (Mickey) Loomis and Mr. (Sean) Payton and got caught up on old times.
“We went to the FCA breakfast this morning and now they are in meetings in preparation for our first practice this afternoon.”
The attributes for a coach to have to be successful at Notre Dame.
“First of all I went to ND and that helps a little bit. Notre Dame is a different type of university than a lot of other places. Sometimes its mystique and aura can be misconstrued as arrogant because of the pride and people that go to Notre Dame and the alum have. There are only 8,270 students in the undergraduate population at Notre Dame. Most universities have tens of thousands of people and when I graduated in ’78 we had around 6,000. The school has been committed to keeping it under 10,000 because they believe in the atmosphere at Notre Dame where over 90% of the students live on campus in the dorms. You can walk from one end of the campus to the other in 15 minutes.”
On type of practices Notre Dame will have in New Orleans
“The practices will be physical but shorter because what I’ve done is I’ve taken one of our so-called physical periods and moved it into a walk through tempo prior to practice. Staying in tune with my cutting back but I expect high energy in return.”
On his players curfew this week
“I had bed check last night. It was late, but they know if they are not there they are going home. Case closed. Non-negotiable. I don’t know if there were people running up the stairs two minutes beforehand, but I did bed check and everyone was there sleeping or faking like they were sleeping.”
Evaluate the job of the defensive staff and defense have to do to win this game
“The answer I am giving on defense holds true for offense as well. We have had some high moments and some low moments. I think that for us to win this game and beat a formidable opponent like LSU we can’t come out there and be inconsistent on any one facet of our game ? offense, defense or special teams or we’ll have no chance.”
On his seeing status of the city
“What I did last year on a recruiting trip and I went to a couple of local high schools and I ask a local policeman to drive me through some of the really bad areas. What our players have seen are not nearly as bad as some of those areas are. I think that everyone that comes down here should get on a tour guide bus and really go through and see this is what they’re talking about. A year later you go through and it is unbelievable to see what you see.
“Look at the water lines and to me that is the scariest thing. To realize the water was that high is scary thought. I’m not to second-guess anyone. I am just happy that The University of Notre Dame is here together with LSU, which seems to be the perfect matchup to get some cash flow into this city.”
On LSU defensive linemen Chase Pittman and Glenn Dorsey compared to Michigan defensive linemen LaMarr Woodley and Alan Branch.
“It’s a good analogy, especially where they play. You can’t fall asleep on any of those guys on the defensive line for LSU. Pittman gets a great deal of production coming off the edge and you always have to be concerned with that, but I think their front four is formidable.”
On status of starting safety Chinedum Ndukwe
“As my trainer reported today everyone is full speed and ready to go. I told Ndukwe I am putting him in there first and then I will go by what I see.”
Practicing first team offense versus first team defense
“For the next two days early in practice we’ll go one versus ones for a period then by midway through practice we’ll switch it up.”
On Brady Quinn’s maturity and development
“He was already battle-tested for two years by the time I got him. He started a good portion of the year his freshman year and then his whole sophomore year. Fortunately for me I already had a good product to work with and throw on top of that the kid is smart, he’s passionate, he wants to be great. In my case I get too much credit for his development but in reality you already had something special to work with. He is some kind of player. He’s special.”
On play calling in the losses to Michigan and USC
“I think that the need to go to the pass is part of it. But part of it I called too many passes. As people know me my perfect blend is 50-50 but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. You have to give your team a chance to win the game, but in the perfect world that’s what you want to be doing and hopefully that’s the way this game plays out.”
Once you become one dimensional, I don’t care if its Pop Warner, it becomes a lot easier for those defensive guys to let it loose.”
On hiring (assistant coach) Michael Haywood
“He had all the components I was looking for when I was hiring a staff. Not having familiarity with me and my place. I was coming in during the middle of a Super Bowl run and trying to hire a staff at the same time. One of the main things I was looking for was a guy who had played football or had coached at Notre Dame. The fact he had been drilled under Nick Saban and Mack Brown. He coached fewer than two of the best college coaches there is in football and he played at Notre Dame. What more could I ask for? Everything I was looking for he had.
On LSU and Texas winning national championships the year after he (Haywood) left
“I’m trying to get rid of him (laughs). I told him I am trying to get him a job so we could have a chance.”
LSU PLAYER QUOTES
December 29, 2006
WR Early Doucet
On practice …
“It was a long week practicing in Baton Rouge. Everyone got to go home for vacation, and we were out there practicing and getting better. Once we got here, the whole atmosphere around here gives us that extra oomph to go out there and practice harder to prepare for Notre Dame.”
On going up against Notre Dame’s defense …
“I think they have a great defense. If we execute and play to the best of our abilities, I think we can stay on the field with any defense in the country.”
On playing on the Superdome field turf …
“It really doesn’t matter. It is a mental thing. If you are confident in what you do, I don’t think field turf or grass has anything to do with it. We try not to get caught up in the hype. Notre Dame has a really fast defense as well, and they are a great team. We just have to come out and play our game and respect their game as well. Whatever happens, happens. If we go out and execute and keep doing what we are doing, we will be victorious.”
On playing in New Orleans …
“It is the first time the Sugar Bowl has been played here since (Hurricane) Katrina happened. It is something that is going to bring a little life back to the city, and it brings everybody out to watch football. We just want to come out and play a great game for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. We want to give everybody a good show.”
DL Glenn Dorsey
On having a month off before the last game …
“We have been working hard back in Baton Rouge. We are fresh and ready to go. We are just polishing up a few things and working on the gameplan.”
On the defense receiving praise from Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis …
“It means a lot. It shows that you hard work is paying off and people are noticing. As a player, you like to hear that. We also know that could be a gameplan to get us thinking that we are too good. We need to just go out and play hard and do what we do best.”
On practicing and playing at the Superdome …
“This is my first time ever playing in the Superdome. We are looking forward to it. Being that we are actually here, we know that the game is coming up on us. The Superdome is looking amazing. I wasn’t fortunate enough to make it in high school. It was real fast turf. It looks brand new. I kept thinking, Reggie Bush scored a touchdown right here.”