The Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers will take to the field tomorrow for a game that was postponed due to the coronavirus. Alabama and the “Bayeux Bengals” where supposed to face off on November 14th, until too many LSU players were exposed to the virus. The team didn’t have enough scholarship players available, so the game was postponed until tomorrow night. In 2019, LSU defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa before a crowd that included President Donald Trump. Saban says he doesn’t use revenge as a motivator, but it will likely be a factor.
“We only have a few of those (games) where we can look back at last year or the year before, or whatever, where we can say it was an issue or a problem,” said Saban. “But, I think nobody likes to get disrespected, and I think when you lose a game you feel that way to some degree. And, I think it’s human nature to try to make it right. So, think it is a motivating factor for most human beings."
LSU is coming off last year’s championship season with 2020 losses to Texas A & M and Auburn. Possibly complicating tomorrow's game for the Tigers is the decision by star wide receiver Terrace Marshall not to play. Saban says the Tide still should count out how the Tigers may perform on the field.
“You know, it’s really kind of hard to change gears, that this station in the season. You’re always trying to develop an identity of who you are and what you can do well. And, I think when these guys have clicked on all cylinders, they can be a pretty good offensive team."
LSU isn’t the only team impacted by COVID-19. Tide head coach Nick Saban missed his first game in forty seven years after testing positive for the coronavirus and showing mild symptoms. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian stepped in to lead the Tide to a 42-13 “Iron Bowl” victory over cross-state rival Auburn. Saban has reportedly been cleared to accompany the Tide to Baton Rouge, and coach from the sidelines.