Tigers feeling energy from Wilson during tough time

By Hunt Palmer

Four LSU Tigers met with media this week. All four mentioned ‘energy’ multiple times.

November creates differing atmospheres in college football programs. A dozen will end up in the college football playoff. A dozen more are fighting for that chance. LSU finds itself on the other end of the spectrum where loads of preseason goals have faded.

Three losses likely signal the end of any playoff dreams. Certainly, the path to an SEC Championship is gone.

“Our backs are against the wall,” said senior cornerback Mansoor Delane. “So, everybody in this room is all we got. Leaning on each other, supporting each other. If somebody makes a play, bringing a lot of energy to the team is uplifting.”

The players have spoken in united terms throughout the fall. They’ve preached “a 1-0 mindset” and have mentioned championships. All of that direction came from Brian Kelly whose voice is now gone from the front of the room.

Interim head coach Frank Wilson’s message has filled the void, and it’s been obvious where the focus lies.

“He’s very calm and collected but fiery at the same time,” said junior center Braelin Moore. “He’ll come in here and talk and be real smooth, and then all of a sudden he’s firing. He’s screaming and just wakes everyone up. I think we need that and incorporate different things to change up the energy a little bit. I’ve loved it for sure”

Wilson has head coaching experience at two different college stops, so leading a team is nothing new. Taking the reins during a period of uncertainty and volatility is, though.

Wilson has prioritized togetherness and communication both in press conferences and with the team.

“He’s in here. We’ve got a team meeting every day, and he kind of sets the tone for the rest of the day, goes through the schedule of what everything is going to be,” said senior linebacker West Weeks. “Obviously, for me, it’s kind of fun seeing him because running backs and linebackers, we go at it a lot in fall camp and all that. Seeing him transition from that role to what he’s doing now has been cool for me. He definitely brings the energy, and I like it a lot.”

The next opponent helps with the energy level, too. LSU and Alabama have clashed with high stakes for two decades. That spans these players’ entire lives in most cases.

An eye on a matchup of two of the sport’s most iconic brands lifts spirits as well as Wilson can.

“I know this a rivalry that goes a long time back,” Moore said. “I remember watching it as a kid and just wishing to play in the game. So, for me to be in this spot and actually go into Alabama’s stadium and play them, it’s surreal. We’re definitely going in there looking to win, and we have 100 percent confidence that we’re going to do that.”

As much as the helmets spark competitive juices, so do the players wearing them. Quarterback Ty Simpson has garnered Heisman buzz, and his top two receivers Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams are as talented a wide receiver duo as the SEC boasts.

For Delane, who is on an All-American track himself, the prospect of lining up against those three for four hours provides energy as well.

“Those are NFL caliber players right there, so it’ll be a big challenge this week,” Delane said. “It’s just another week to go out there and prove yourself, put some good things on film and then ultimately get the win. Really, I’m just diving in every week like I’ve been on my opponent.”

Wilson has used some symbolism this week to aid the players in navigating these uncertain waters. He spoke last week about using the Pearl Harbor siren to “rally the troops”. He’s had a drum brought into the team meeting room to symbolize the heartbeat of the team.

His message is hitting home according to the players who faced the media this week. The results on the field will ultimately be the test.

“So much has been going on this last week and a half,” Weeks said. “So, it’s kind of like when we come in here, this is our safe spot. When we hear that, to kind of gets the tone set for the day, gets us mentally locked in for what we need to do and get done for the day. I think every time we play these dudes, we want to go out there and play the best game we can play. So, I don’t think there’s much more motivation you can need than LSU-Alabama. How can you not have motivation for that one.”