LSU's Orgeron aims to keep players focused amid uncertainty

(AP) — LSU interim coach Ed Orgeron smiled patiently while fielding questions about his long-term future at LSU, and politely tried to steer the conversation toward Thursday's regular season finale at Texas A&M.

Odds makers had listed LSU as a two-touchdown favorite and the Tigers entered the game as a potential front-runner for the Southeastern Conference's Sugar Bowl bid.

The Gators had a handful of starters injured, but took a tenuous lead in the second half and held on with a goal-line stand in the final seconds.

[...] several LSU players have taken it upon themselves to go into damage-control mode on behalf of the man they affectionately call "Coach O," blaming the loss on their own mistakes and touting Orgeron's credentials.

Alleva, who usually attends the head football coach's Monday luncheons, was not present this time.

The LSU coaching job is seen as one of the most desirable in college football, given the university's ability to pay top dollar, its top-flight facilities, rabid fan base and the fact that it has no true in-state rival in the recruiting hotbed that is Louisiana.