From Scooter Hobbs
HOUSTON – Fired Trainers. Lame duck trainer. Interim trainer. New trainer is waiting in the starting blocks. One injury at a time. Opt-outs and the never-ending temptation of the transfer portal and a number of unexplained absences.
Yes, LSU saw and heard pretty much everything during this crazy up and down football schedule.
But there is one thing you won’t see or hear when the tumultuous season finally comes to an end tonight against Kansas State in the TaxAct Texas Bowl.
There would be a lot of choices for an LSU team (6-6) to win their last two games, to qualify for the Bowl, but will end the season against the Wildcats with just over 40 scholarship players available.
It will be LSU’s 53rd bowl appearance, but as everyone can remember, the Tigers had to sending the JV for the first time.
In other words, for Davis’ first game as head coach, he’s playing the hand he was given, which could mean 10 or more players starting their first college game, including those who play the quarterback.
Whatever im Anyway, Davis will then hand the reins over to new LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who was removed from Notre Dame shortly after previously sacked coach Ed Orgeron ended his tenure with a disgruntled win over Texas A&M, to take part in the Bowl Trip to deserve.
Kelly will be at the game and Davis has consulted with him during the 15 training sessions the Tigers were allowed to practice prior to this game.
But Kelly will be an observer. Tonight’s big job will be for Davis to win or lose.
« We’ve got our bums ready, » said Davis. “Our children are hungry. When opportunities arise, whatever the reason, it’s a next-man-up mentality. There are many children who are eager and hungry to go out and perform. You won’t hear any apology from me about the roster. «
» Right now we have a really talented team from Kansas State that want to beat us, « he said.
So far, Davis, usually the coach, is the Offensive Line, the only former assistant taken on for the new regime, though a handful are left to coach the bowl game.
Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman who made his coaching career and North Dakota State Has led to four national FCS championships in five years, has replaced his offensive coordinator since the end of the regular season.
But the Wildcats (7-5) seem to be pretty much at full strength after their last two games of the season while missing quarterback Skylar Thompson with an injury.
Thompson is back with star running back Deuce Vaughn, a 5-foot-6 jitterbug from a running back.
« The offense funk managed by him, « said LSU linebacker Mike Jones, one of the Tigers’ first starters, about Vaughn. “He’s a quick, smart guy. You bring him the ball in many ways. We just have to find a way to silence him. «
The Tigers will do their best with a depleted squad and have never considered leaving the game.
» This was mainly a bridge to get through this transition, « said Davis.
» I’ll be happy to give the keys to Coach Kelly, « says Davis. « I think he has an incredible plan to take this team to a championship and I am fortunate to be a part of it. »
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