After a long 15-day layoff since winning the Peach Bowl, LSU and Clemson strap on the helmets Monday night in college football’s national championship game. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s tried to keep the preparation for this game close to what they’ve done all year.
"We didn’t talk about going to play for the National Championship. We talked about we have to prepare to beat Clemson, one game at a time, just like we’ve done,” said Orgeron. “We have trusted the process. The guys are getting excited. They are getting antsy. I can feel it. I’m getting antsy, too. But I think we have to continue to work up through game time.”
LSU is seeking its fourth national title in program history, while Clemson is trying to win its third championship in four years and its 30th straight game. Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney says the focus is not trying to become college football’s next great dynasty.
“I think when you focus on that, you’re just focusing on the magnitude of the moment and lose the joy of the moment," Swinney said. "That’s all we try to focus on is just being great where our feet are and just have some fun doing what we do to get ready.”
Orgeron says after studying Clemson for 15 days, they are prepared for what they’ll try to do, but he knows they’ll throw different looks at them. He says the team that makes the best in game adjustments will win.
“I think what we have an advantage of with this year more than any other team I’ve been with, that Joe (Burrow) can execute those plays, and we put playmakers in space and let them play,” said Orgeron.
Orgeron not only represents LSU, he’s also representing Cajuns. Many around the country poke fun at Coach O’s accent and the coach has used that to his advantage.
“We’re proud to be from Louisiana," Orgeron said. "I just feel at home here. People that made fun of my accent before, I thank them. That gave me internal motivation to do better, so I thank them to be motivators of my career.”
Kickoff Monday night is at 7 PM.