On Texas A&M: “My first association with Texas A&M was when I was a Dallas Cowboy assistant coach, and I lived in and around the Coppell and Valley Ranch area. We ran into a bunch of people that were following their kids around in all of youth sports. Wherever my children swam or played soccer, there was a constant flow of A&M fans. We became great friends with John and Sandy Heidtke, and the feel for A&M they shared was demonstrated by their commitment to their school. I realized very quickly how very special A&M is. When we go up there, I will look for those Heidtke’s and those people like them and respect very much the traditions of that Aggie school.”
On recruiting players from Texas and Louisiana along with Texas A&M : “The only thing I can tell you is that in this state, there’s a great loyalty to playing for these Tigers. Being in Tiger Stadium last Saturday, anybody that was there would certainly understand that. I think the opportunity for other schools to come into other states diminish because, in my mind, it’s not only a fan base, it’s a tradition and a history of the state that they’re committed to what’s going on in Tiger Stadium. I do recognize the fact that certainly (Texas A&M) is now in the SEC, and the schedule will bring them to our place and us to theirs. There will be some familiarity. We certainly enjoy going into Texas. We think that Texas is a great place to recruit to. I think they understand the style of play that we have here at LSU and that they’d enjoy being a part. Obviously the familiarity allows some access to what extent, time will tell.”
On Texas A&M’s atmosphere : “I think anytime that you play in a place where the people really enjoy their team, there’s a real loyalty there, and opponents that visit recognize it. They understand that the crowd is partisan, and they understand that they care. I think it’s always been a place where, as an opponent, you wanted to go and play well.”
On Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel: “Hopefully we can contain, that’s the first piece. The good thing is that our defense will be one of the fastest he will have seen. Hopefully we will use a style of pressure that’s most effective. At times it’s going to be coverage and keeping him in the pocket, and other times, hopefully we can get to him. Having the opportunity to also cover is a pressure. It will certainly be a mix of weapons, if you will.”
On the rest of the A&M offense: “I think they’re a talented group, nice wide receivers, veteran offensive tackles, guys who had to start as freshmen. It’s a nice concept. The operate well out of the personnel. They’re very good on offense.”
On the offensive line taking on Texas A&M’s defense: “They have not only one, but several really talented pass rushers. We’re going to be challenged as we have in the past and use our hands get our sets and be prepared. I think this late in the season, we’re getting more accustomed to that challenge and looking forward to it.”
On the early kickoff : “I think our guys will understand that 11 o’clock’s plenty. I think before that, it could easily be a problem. I think 11 o’clock will be a nice time to roll out and play. We’ll examine some of our work schedule and see if we can put them in a position where they’re comfortable there. I don’t think it’s going to take much. Certainly the style of opponent will challenge us, and I think we’ll meet that challenge no matter what time we kick it off.”
In the team feeling the affect of having played for seven weeks: “I haven’t seen tired. I enjoyed (Wednesday’s) practice. I think there was a lot of energy. I didn’t see tired.”
