Ed Orgeron: Texas A&M game has LSU prepared for new overtime rules

While the LSU Tigers may have lost the legendary seven-overtime game against Texas A&M in 2018, Ed Orgeron’s team is reaping the benefits to this day. As the NCAA approved new rules for overtime this coming season, Orgeron believes his Tigers are as prepared as any team.

“We’re a step ahead. We had that nice overtime game against [Texas] A&M that year. We ran out of plays,” said Orgeron. “I remember going ‘Does anyone have another two point play?’ I think it was seven overtimes.

“Since then, I’ve implemented a two-point play period on Mondays. We have a rolodex of two-point plays. I think we’re ahead of the game seriously, and we’re always looking for two-point plays … you want to have new ones ready every week. I think we’re a little ahead of the curve on that, because of that seven-overtime game.”

Evidently, there’s a silver lining in the Tigers’ 74-72 loss to the Aggies from November 24th, 2018. While the loss may have stung at the time, it helped Orgeron and company become one of the team’s most well-equipped to handle the new college football overtime rules.

New College Football OT Rules

Earlier this year, the NCAA enacted changes to the overtime rules we saw throughout 2018’s matchup between LSU and Texas A&M. In a statement, the NCAA explained the changes.

“Teams will be required to run a 2-point conversion play after a touchdown when a game reaches a second overtime period. Previously, a 2-point attempt was required after the third overtime period.

“Also, if the game reaches a third overtime, teams will run alternating 2-point plays, instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. This is a change from the previous rule, which started to use 2-point plays in the fifth overtime period.

“This rules change is being made to limit the number of plays from scrimmage and bring the game to a quicker conclusion. Teams can still choose whether to kick the point after touchdown or run a 2-point conversion play during the first overtime period.”

While the changes aren’t drastic, it’ll be tough to see two teams match the seven overtimes the Tigers and Aggies battled through in the future. 

Ed Orgeron on recent injuries

Earlier this week, the LSU Tigers head coach provided updates on injuries to cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and running back Tyrion Davis-Price.

“Derek’s doing fine,” Orgeron said, via LSU Sports on YouTube. “I think we’re going to lay off him next week. The week after, he should be fine. I think he’ll be 100%, we won’t have to worry about re-aggravating it.”

The news on Stingley Jr. sounds good, as Orgeron isn’t sweating it. Continuing, he also spoke on the minor injury his running back has been dealing with recently.

“Ty [Davis-Price] ran yesterday, he had some good plays,” said Orgeron. “Came in yesterday, had some good plays and some good runs. Kinda tweaked it again today. Something that we’ll have to monitor throughout the whole year.”

While Orgeron states the injury is something the Tigers may have to keep an eye on, it sounds like Davis-Price is healthy enough to still have an impact. This season, Davis-Price projects to share the backfield with John Emery, making up a formidable running back tandem.

This summer has been tough on LSU with injuries, as they’ve already lost their starting quarterback Myles Brennan for most of the season. Luckily, it seems as if Stingley Jr. and Davis-Price will be ready to go for any potential overtime opportunities, according to Ed Orgeron.