Jay Johnson discusses managing LSU's emotions the past few days ahead of CWS Final against Florida

In just his second season as the LSU head baseball coach, Jay Johnson has the Tigers back on the biggest stage in college baseball. LSU is set to face off against the Florida Gators in Game 1 of their best-of-three championship series this weekend. Around an hour before the start of the game on Saturday night, Jay Johnson took some time to speak with ESPN sideline reporter Kris Budden on a number of topics.

Jay Johnson discussed managing his team’s emotions

One of the toughest things for LSU is they just won one of the most thrilling game of the 2023 college baseball season on Thursday night against the Wake Fores Demon Deacons. It’s been a short turnaround for the Tigers for Saturday night’s Game 1 matchup in the championship series. How has Johnson been able to manage his team for the past couple of days? Did he allow his players time to enjoy the magical win against Wake Forest?

“Yeah, you have to do that,” Johnson began. “That was a special win. I wanted them to enjoy that that night. And then we had an expiration date on that which was practice time yesterday. Turned our attention to Florida. You know, when you only have one day to prepare, the coaching staff at least, we’ve been totally immersed in that. And we’re ready to go. It’s been a good time.”

What was he thinking about on the short five-minute bus ride over to Charles Schwab Field on Saturday night? “Just gratitude. You know, very thankful to be here. Thankful to be here with this team. I mean, we just need to stay in character and play out best. When they do that, usually things go our way,” said Johnson.

Both Florida and LSU have very prestigious baseball programs

As expected, LSU fans have shown up and in a big way in Omaha for the Tigers’ first CWS Final appearance since 2017. Is anyone left in Baton Rouge today? “I hope not,” Johnson laughed. “It doesn’t appear that way and I certainly hope not. But we’re very thankful for them being here, for sure.”

The last time LSU was one of the final two teams in Omaha, they were on the losing end… to Florida. it’s the only time they have ever lost a championship series. The remaining six have resulted in national championships. It’s been a proud tradition in Baton Rouge.

Florida will have something to say about that, though.

The Gators were the first team to advance to the CWS Final, having defeated TCU 3-2 in the national semifinal. Florida has posted 9-1 overall record throughout the NCAA Tournament dating back to the Gainesville Regional. Their lone loss coming at the hands of Texas Tech, 5-4.

Florida knows a thing or two about one-run games, as all three of the Gators’ CWS wins have come by one run heading into the championship series. That includes wins over Virginia, Oral Roberts and finally TCU.

They will be looking to capture their second national championship in program history. Their lone title came in 2017, but the Gators have made the final series four times — including in 2023. Florida was the national runner-up in 2005 and 2011.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.