LSU's DeAngelo Peterson says he can take advantage of matchups with Alabama's linebackers. / AP
BATON ROUGE – LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson’s comments Tuesday that Alabama’s linebackers were too big and slow to cover him Saturday went unchallenged Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the last media opportunity for the Tide players before the game.
Outside linebacker/defensive end Courtney Upshaw (6-foot-2, 265) was asked about Peterson’s comments. He said he had not heard exactly what Peterson said but added that a lot of people had asked him about it. When a reporter asked him a follow-up question, a member of Alabama’s sports information department stopped the exchange.
No. 1 LSU (8-0, 5-0 SEC) plays at No. 2 Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC) at 7 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
Peterson did accurately point out that Alabama’s linebackers were bigger than most as the Crimson Tide uses a 3-linemen, 4-linebacker attack with the linebackers playing significant roles against the run. Middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower is 6-4 and 260 pounds.
“I think I can play a big role because I feel like their linebackers can’t guard me one-on-one, and I don’t think their safeties can either,” Peterson said. “If the ball comes my way, I’ll make an opportunity with it. They’re slow. They’re big. I don’t think they can run with me. I feel like I can get open against their linebackers.”
Peterson, a senior from New Orleans, has played well against Alabama. He caught two passes for 25 yards last season, and he rushed 23 yards for a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line on a tight end reverse on a critical fourth-and-1 play in the fourth quarter. Tailback Stevan Ridley scored on a 1-yard run moments later for a 21-14 LSU lead with 8:13 to play in the game. LSU held on for a 24-21 win. In the 2009 game at Tuscaloosa, Peterson caught two passes for 40 yards with a 12-yard touchdown for a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. Alabama went on to win 24-15.
