Dear Tiger Fan,
Of the 100 victories in the 10-year LSU career of coach Les Miles, last Saturday’s 30-27 win at Florida certainly ranks among the most exciting. True to the enduring spirit that has characterized Coach Miles’ teams, the Tigers overcame a fourth-quarter deficit in one of the SEC’s most difficult environments to earn a tremendous win. Remarkably, 23 of the 100 wins in the Les Miles Era have featured fourth-quarter comebacks, a testament to the Tigers’ burning desire for victory. Congratulations to Coach Miles for becoming just the second coach in school history – joining the legendary Charles McClendon – to win 100 games at LSU.
THE HOME STRETCH
The Tigers’ win over Florida sets us up for an extremely attractive three-game homestand in Tiger Stadium over the next month. SEC showdowns against Kentucky this Saturday, versus third-ranked Ole Miss on Oct. 25 and versus seventh-ranked Alabama on Nov. 8 will have a significant impact upon the league race in both divisions. We need the support of the Fighting Tiger faithful more than ever as Coach Miles and his players seek a return to the top of the league standings.
I strongly encourage you to join us on the beautiful LSU campus for the remaining home games and experience all of the pageantry and drama of college football in the nation’s best venue, Tiger Stadium. With the expansion of the stadium and other measures we’ve taken to enhance our gameday atmosphere, I’m certain you won’t find a better way to spend your Saturdays than with us in Death Valley.
HOOPS ON THE RISE
October in Baton Rouge brings gorgeous fall weather, simmering gumbo pots, meaningful football games and the start of basketball practice. Our men’s team, under coach Johnny Jones, and the Lady Tigers, led by coach Nikki Caldwell, began preseason workouts last week with the promise of an outstanding hoops season unfolding in the coming months.
Coach Jones has a very talented team led by forwards Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin, who combine to give LSU one of the best frontcourts in the SEC. Both of these young men could have taken their considerable skills to the pro level after one season, but each decided to remain in school. They have already been recognized by Athlon magazine as two of the best sophomore players in the nation, and they will join a very skilled group of new recruits and returning veterans to produce an up-tempo, stirring style of basketball that I know you’ll enjoy.
Coach Caldwell’s Lady Tigers will bring the same type of energy to the Maravich Center with a dynamic approach that has led to two straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearances. I hope you’ll join us this season to support LSU’s march to another deep run in the Big Dance.
BAYOU MADNESS
I invite you to come out to the Maravich Center this Friday, October 17 for Bayou Madness, an opportunity to meet our basketball coaches and players and watch each team conduct a brief scrimmage. A pep rally begins at 6:45 p.m. in front of the arena, and the evening features the Bengal Brass Band, the LSU cheerleaders and a variety of activities for the entire family. Bayou Madness, which is completely free of charge, is a great way to tip off a festive weekend that culminates with the football game versus Kentucky Saturday night.
EYE ON THE TIGERS
Finally, keep an eye on our volleyball team, which is riding a three-game SEC win streak. Coach Fran Flory‘s squad is on the road this weekend and returns home to the Maravich Center Sunday, October 26 to face Georgia. And, congratulations to the men’s golf team guided by coach Chuck Winstead. The Tigers have already won two tournaments this fall and are ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation.
As always, we welcome your comments at athletics@lsu.edu. Unfortunately we cannot answer every e-mail we receive, but please be assured they are all read.
Geaux Tigers!
Joe Alleva
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics