Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. ó For the first time this season, the LSU Tigers awoke early on Monday morning to review game film of a loss ó and it wasn’t pleasant.
“It’s less enjoyable to show up at 6:45 in the morning to view a game when you have been unsuccessful,” head coach Les Miles said. “The team has a feeling that (loss) was something we don’t intend to do or want to do. The team’s resolve to prepare is pretty strong.”
The 51-21 defeat in Florida on Saturday night was the worst loss in six seasons for LSU, which slid from No. 4 down to No. 13 in The AP Top 25 poll. Current Alabama coach Nick Saban was the Tigers’ coach in the last loss that bad ó 31-0 at the hands of the Crimson Tide.
LSU had not allowed 51 points in a game in 12 years. Florida, which was coached by Steve Spurrier, scored 56 points against the Tigers in 1996.
Now LSU (4-1, 2-1 SEC) will attempt to bounce back this week against South Carolina (5-2, 2-2), which, fittingly, is currently coached by Spurrier.
Miles said he was “not really concerned” about his team’s confidence.
“All of the players understand the specific situation we were in,” Miles said. “Adjustments can be made. I painstakingly looked at every snap and my sheet was filled with guys who were making great effort.
“When the score starts to mount, it’s very difficult to fix the momentum. We need to play well at the start, particularly on the road.”
The Tigers fell behind 17-0 in the first quarter. Florida outgained LSU 186 yards to 4 in the opening 15 minutes. The Tigers could never escape that hole.
“You can’t start it as poorly on offense and defense and feel we can be in it,” Miles said. “We gave up a touchdown on the third play. Then, our offense doesn’t get untracked.”
Despite the lopsided defeat, LSU still controls its own destiny in the Southeastern Conference Western Division race. However, the Tigers need to answer with a victory at South Carolina, which has won four straight. LSU then returns home to play No. 10 Georgia the following Saturday.
“Every person has the spirit of what can I do,” Miles said. “When that (meeting) room comes together, there’s a feeling of let’s get it fixed.
“The team understands the big picture. Not one game does a season make. But, there’s a sense of urgency to prepare and win this week. I feel the team will respond favorably.”