from the lsu site
Certainly no one associated with LSU was happy with what transpired during the first half of the game against Tulane last Saturday in the Superdome.
The Tigers found themselves trailing the 40-point underdog Green Wave with fewer than 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter. But, Colt David kicked a field goal with three seconds remaining to give LSU a 10-9 advantage.
After halftime, the Tigers were their dominant selves as they outscored Tulane 24-0. LSU came way with a 34-9 victory, impressive enough on paper for some Associated Press voters to move the Tigers ahead of Southern California.
Even though LSU played its worst game of the season, it now finds itself as the No. 1 team in the nation according to the AP poll for the first time in 48 years.
Two days after his team's sluggish outing against the Green Wave, coach Les Miles had a practical analysis of the situation.
"I don't enjoy sloppy play, but I like competitive games," said Miles at his weekly media luncheon Monday afternoon. "I like something that tests you. There are not too many seasons where there's not a spot of adversity. You have to rebound well."
In the last two quarters, the Tigers outgained Tulane 264-101. The Green Wave picked up only four first downs in the final 30 minutes. Charles Scott ran for two touchdowns and Jacob Hester added one, while David kicked a field goal.
Following its fifth double-digit victory of the season, LSU moved into the top spot in the AP rankings. Miles is not impressed by the Tigers' latest achievement.
"I'm told we've been ranked differently," Miles said. "Anybody that voted us No. 1 obviously didn't get up and watch us play. Nobody in the football building thinks we're a finished product.
"We have to come to work and prepare. We have a lot to accomplish and a lot to improve on. We're appreciative of the people who voted for us. But, we're just holding place. (Being ranked No. 1) changes nothing. There will be no difference in our approach."
LSU certainly would have chosen a different opponent than the one it will face this Saturday for its first game carrying the No. 1 label. Coming to Baton Rouge will be defending national champion Florida, which was stunned by Auburn 20-17 last week.
"I have great respect for coach Urban Meyer and what they have been able to accomplish in his short tenure," Miles said. "Uour team will be challenged and we look forward to it.
"Florida's defense is fast and stingy. "They have a nice offensive line that protects their quarterback. Anytime you have a quarterback that can run the football, it's a concern for your defense."
The Gators had an 11-game winning streak ended by their loss in the Swamp to Auburn. Florida rebounded from a defeat at Auburn last season to win seven games in a row en route to its national title.
"It's hard for me to figure out if your opponent is going to fare better or worse whether they win or lose," Miles said. "I have no druthers if they would have won or lost. There is no way for me to deal with how (Florida) may feel."
For the second time this season, there will be a big-game atmosphere at Tiger Stadium. There was great excitement prior to the Tigers' 48-7 pounding of Virginia Tech in early September.
ESPN GameDay will once again be on campus. For the first time in 26 seasons, a non-cable network (CBS) will televise a prime-time game at Tiger Stadium. Miles does not downplay the importance of the Florida contest.
"I always like big games and I think our guys like big games," Miles said. "You will find our players are ready to practice, hurry to meetings and run from drill to drill with a little quicker step. There is more energy in the (football) building.
"It is only one game, but it sure is one that we will enjoy preparing for. It is why you come to LSU. It is very enjoyable for me to be linked and work with a team that shows great effort. Everybody understands this week it is important everybody contributes."