Last football season was one for the books and one full of memories…to say the least. So many good memories in my life are related to LSU Football from growing up a Tiger fan to going to college at LSU and now making my living working for the best college football team in the country (not bias at all).
Since we have five days to go until LSU kicks off the 2017 season (now in New Orleans), here are my top five memories from 2016.
5. Playing at Lambeau Field
I know the outcome of the game was not what we wanted, but seeing the Tigers play at Lambeau Field is one of my top LSU memories of all time. We had a full walk-thru with the team the day we flew in to Wisconsin and toured the stadium seeing the ins and outs of the historical field. Listening to Callin’ Baton Rouge while on the sidelines of Lambeau on gameday is a bucket list feeling that I don’t think I will ever experience again.
4. LSU defense takes down the Heisman Trophy Winner
It was Coach O’s first official game as the Head Coach at LSU, and boy did he and his staff make a statement on New Year’s Eve. The LSU defense sacked Louisville quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson EIGHT times in their 29-9 win in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. I also got a shout-out in the local newspaper for being the OC’s assistant.
3. LSU vs Missouri
It’s crazy to think that this is one of my favorite LSU games ever. Last year’s LSU vs Missouri game was Coach O’s debut as interim head coach and Steve Ensminger’s first game as interim offensive coordinator for the Tigers. LSU had 634 yards of total offense setting a school record for total offensive yards versus an SEC opponent and only six days after Coach O took over the team. We had so many former players come back to support the team that day, and we honestly just had a lot of fun that night.
2. Thanksgiving night at Texas A&M
Since the Aggies became part of the SEC they have not beaten LSU (knock on wood for 2017). It was the last game of the regular season on Thanksgiving night, and this staff was playing for Coach O to be our next head coach. My family was in town and I got to spend a little bit of time with them on the sidelines before the game, and then we won…big. Hearing the chants of ‘We want Coach O’ from the players in the locker room post-game is something I won’t forget. The team, the staff and the fans knew who they wanted to lead the Tigers into the next chapter of LSU Football history.
1. Coach O being named the Head Coach of the LSU Tigers
Well, duh! We got our guy! How could this not be my top memory from the 2016 football season?? Coach O is living out his dream job and I am thankful I’m along for the ride. He’s already done so much for our staff and team, and I am looking forward to years to come with him.
And for a little lagniappe…
That one time I was featured in a Magazine
This is still one of the coolest things to ever happen to me, and I honestly forgot it was only last season. In Register magazine featured me along with some other fabulous women who work locally in sports. So much happened in the last nine months that this felt like forever ago. You can read more about it here.
It is never a dull moment working for the LSU football team, and there is never a dull season. I don’t expect anything less this year with a new head coach, new staff and a new team. I can’t imagine working anywhere else, and I’m ready for the memories that the 2017 season will bring.
What is one of your favorite LSU memories from the 2016 football season? I need to come up with my Top 10 LSU moments of all time, but that will take a whole lot of thinking.
GEAUX TIGERS!
