The LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers will clash on Monday night for the College Football Playoff title after 16 days off.
When the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers meet in New Orleans on Monday night, it will be the first time either team has played since the College Football Playoff semifinals on December 28.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney told reporters this week he wasn’t a big fan of the long layoff, saying “You know, I’d prefer to just go play, to be honest with you, if I was writing the schedule out”.
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron, however, was actually happy for the long gap between games, telling reporters “You know, for us, we needed the rest. We gave our guys ample rest…..so I think it’s been good”.
Orgeron added “They tell us it’s 16 days, it’s 16, they tell us it’s seven, it’s seven. We just go.”
Victory for LSU!
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 13, 2020
One More Time pic.twitter.com/D7LJh9UmUJ
Long layoffs can often be a problem for teams. It’s easy to lose focus and get out of normal routines.
But Coach O has made sure to keep the intensity level up during the gap between games.
Ed Orgeron: "We are taking it one game at a time. You would think the coaches & players are tired. But this was our most energetic 'Monday' practice we have ever had. These guys are phenomenal. They are on a mission. This coaching staff is on a mission" #LSU #NationalChampionship
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) January 8, 2020
LSU didn’t seem to have a problem when they were off for 21 days between the SEC Championship game and their Peach Bowl matchup against Oklahoma.
So I wouldn’t expect to see any rust when Coach O’s squad takes the field in New Orleans on Monday night.