LSU Football: How Ed Orgeron is remaining calm despite Tigers’ struggles
By Zach Ragan
LSU football could be viewed by some folks as a one-year wonder.
One of the biggest questions surrounding LSU football entering the 2020 season was whether or not the Tigers could prove that their success in 2019 wasn’t an anomaly.
LSU had a ridiculous amount of NFL talent last season. It’s almost hard not win a championship when you have players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (among others).
After beating Clemson in the national championship, the Tigers lost 14 players to the NFL draft.
Because of that, no one expected LSU to dominate in 2020 the way they did in 2019.
But folks certainly expected the Tigers to be better than what we’ve seen so far this season.
LSU doesn’t look anything like the team that won a national championship in 2019. In fact, they don’t even look like a team that’s capable of winning the SEC West.
Is that reason to doubt Ed Orgeron? Or is this simply a case of LSU essentially being a brand new team?
For Coach O, the answer is easy.
LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron isn’t panicking
Coach O has been involved in coaching long enough that he knows there are ups-and-downs.
Veteran teams win championships. Experience leaves and youth takes its place. There are growing pains. Experience is gained. Championships are competed for again.
That’s the cycle that we’ve seen in college football for decades — until recently.
The success of Alabama and Clemson — where they seemingly reload every season — has caused a lot of fans (and analysts) to grow impatient with programs.
But what Alabama and Clemson are doing isn’t typical. And it’s not always possible.
In LSU’s case, the program is rebuilding this year. They’re gaining much-needed experience this season.
And in a year or two, the Tigers will likely be contending for a championship again (hopefully by next year).
That’s why Coach O isn’t discouraged by LSU’s play this season.
“Adversity is going to hit, but I’m going to stay positive because I want my team to know we’re building a championship program,” said Orgeron this week (via 247Sports).
“That’s what I come to work every day we do. We’re ranked number three or four in the country right now in recruiting…We just haven’t put it all together yet, but I’m optimistic.”
Next. Myles Brennan has a big decision to make. dark
I understand if fans are concerned right now. LSU hasn’t played good football. But fans should follow Orgeron’s lead and remain optimistic. Coach O has built a championship team once. I’d lean toward trusting him to do it again.