** Press conference ended "10-20 minutes earlier" than usual as some have reported. Odd moment at the end.
** Orgeron begins with a preface: "Ultimately I am responsible for the performance of this team...I want to get that point across."
** Pre snap process, run game, red zone offense and third down are all areas to improve.
** Containing QB, rush lanes, and tackling the QB are areas for defensive improvement.
** Bo Nix made some tremendous plays but have to stay in coverage when you're chasing the quarterback. Need discipline on man to man and third down.
** Says wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has been a very good team leader on offense.
** Notes Kentucky is pro-style, 29 PPG, leading rusher and receiver in the SEC. Rodriguez outstanding runner. Very stout defensive team in a 3-4 scheme with great technique. Great game against Florida.
** Calls the game a tremendous challenge taking on a 5-0 team.
** Said they practiced calling in plays during preseason. With two new coordinators their team periods are normally scripted but in camp one was scripted and one was not. Worked on taking the field with 25 seconds left in a "winning edge" drill. Says it's more challenging during the game with crowd noise. Need to fix a couple of things.
** Said LSU needs to just go with the play that's called instead of changing the play. Guys are trying too hard at times. Need to stop changing the play. But Orgeron said he's fully responsible for that.
** Asked why he feels it's necessary to take responsibility Orgeron said when things go wrong he gets asked questions. It may sound like he's a pointing a finger but those who know him realize that's not him. Will take full responsibility for what happens in the program "and that's just the way it's gon' be."
** On the rushing game struggles Orgeron said first they need to be committed to running the ball. Needs to be a re-commitment to calling the run plays that are practiced. Sometimes they have, sometimes they haven't. Need different sets, formations to be more aggressive and attack the line of scrimmage. They're not doing that well but hope to this week.
** Lost a lot of guys with minor injuries during the game, missed a few snaps. Some will be out today and tomorrow but hopefully they can play this week.
** They have a "warp" mode where they go really fast. They were having success. Trouble is when they try to complicate things, change the play, get the perfect play for the perfect defense. Need to simplify those things.
** LSU was bringing pressure but Nix was getting away and outside the rush. Orgeron said it's an issue of angles with the defensive linemen "which I help coach" headed for the upfield shoulder. Didn't take some proper angles. Said Nix played lights out. "Give him credit, he played with extra effort."
** Thinks first down passing was spot on in the first half. The runs and short passing game helped. When Auburn made adjustments and overloaded, dropped nine and rushed two they had to run the ball and didn't. In certain situations LSU can pass but they have to learn to run in other situations. Clearly not happy with the plays that were either called or changed into.
** In camp didn't have their starting o-line. Mixed up all the time. Continuity was not there with guys out. Lost their o-line coach. It's not an excuse, it's a fact, he said. Guys are veteran players so should be able to adjust to a new coach. Then they have to be committed to the run game.
** Said Steve Ensminger or someone could be in the press box to emphasize calling a play and sticking with it. He works as a consultant.
In summary, Orgeron went to great lengths to take responsibility, the implied reason being a feeling that he blamed some folks after the game. He's clearly fed up with the play calls or the plays that were checked into. Sounds like they are going to simplify. Thought it was interesting he anticipated that pre-snap stuff because could impact UK's defensive strategy. Also sounds like LSU is going to commit to the run game this week.
