BARRETT JONES
Q. What do you think about this place? Pretty darned cool?
BARRETT JONES: It's pretty awesome. I think it's gotten a whole lot ?? been some renovations since we were here in '08, and it looks really, really good.
We're excited to be here on such an awesome weekend when the Saints are playing, and we're going to cap it off on Monday.
Really excited about the game and looking forward to it.
Q. Take me through your mindset right now. Are you anxious? Are you ready to play this thing? We're still a few days away.
BARRETT JONES: Yeah, I think we're ready to play. It's been ?? I don't know what the exact day count is, but it's been so many days since we last played. It's almost like a whole other miniature season.
So we're anxious to get back out there on the field.
Q. Last time you guys played back in November, a lot of people complained about the scoring. But as a football purist, I love the physical nature of the game. As an offensive lineman, how much fun was that for you, just hard?hitting, smashmouth for 60 minutes?
BARRETT JONES: Definitely the most physical game I've ever been a part of. We definitely want to score some more points, but we played really physical the first game and going to do that again the second game.
Q. Five media sessions this week. Is this media overkill?
BARRETT JONES: I guess it depends on who you ask. I think we're all right. This is a big stage, and we expect this. And you gotta just be thankful that we have an opportunity where the media actually wants to talk to us five times.
So we'd rather have it that way than the other way around.
Q. Are you more tired of practicing or talking to us?
BARRETT JONES: I'm just ready to play the game. Practicing against your own team for so many days in a row definitely gets old.
You guys, we never get tired of y'all; we love talking to you guys.
Q. Can you understand the argument, if you played for Oklahoma State, why they should be here? Can you understand that side of it at all?
BARRETT JONES: Honestly, not really, because we have a system in place and that's how the system turned out.
I think if it was the other way, we'd have a tough time having an argument because if we start questioning the system and changing it, then, you know ?? we have to have a way we decide who plays in the game, and so this is the way that the system's set.
Q. Last time Alabama won a national title it was 1993, but it was the 1992 season. How old were you in 1992?
BARRETT JONES: Two. I was born in 1990. I was two years old. But I didn't watch the game then, but I've watched it since.
Q. Youdidn'tremembertoomuchbackthen?
BARRETT JONES: No, I don't remember it from then. But obviously seen them play and a lot of their plays, some highlights from that game.
Q. We try to get to know you guys a little better. I hear back in your younger days very musically talented, youplayedtheviolin. Canyouenlightenmeonthosedays? Doyoustillplay?
BARRETT JONES: I did play the violin for about 10 or 11 years. It's something I really enjoyed doing, and, yeah, I don't really play anymore. But I can still pick it up and play. You play for that long you can still ?? you don't lose it.
Q. Whenwasthelasttimeyouplayed?
BARRETT JONES: Last week, actually. Now that you guys found out about this violin talent, some of my friends were begging me to play. So I finally pulled it out and played for them a few songs.
Q. Areyouinfavorofacollegefootballplayoff?
BARRETT JONES: I don't know. It's not for me to say. That's a tough one. I think it's kind of a misconceptionthatalltheplayershatetheBCS. Andit'shardtohatetheBCSwhenyou'reintheSEC because it has been so good to us. And certainly we feel like if we win our conference, then we'll have a chance to play for the title.
Q. Because I'm surveying the players, would you be a yes, no, or undecided? BARRETT JONES: If I was in favor for a playoff?
Q. Yeah. BARRETT JONES: Whew. I think I would be ?? the plus ? what kind of playoff?
Q. Well, if it's a yes, my next question is: How many teams would you want in it? So there's no set way to do it.
BARRETT JONES: Yeah, I'm going to go undecided, just because I'm not really sure. I definitely don't want to be part of a huge playoff because I think so many more games.
Q. 16 games - too much? BARRETTJONES: Wealreadyplayenoughgames,inmyopinion.
MARK BARRON
Q. Mark, talk about facing (Jordan) Jefferson for an entire game this time as opposed to having to prepare for two guys last time and what challenges you've seen him bring to the defense, going up against him.
MARKBARRON: Wehadtoprepareforhiminthefirstgame,soourpreparationisprettymuchthe same.
Q. Are you feeling okay? You think you're going to be 100 percent going in this game?
MARK BARRON: Yeah, I'm pretty good. Maybe; maybe not. We'll see by then. But I'm pretty good. I'll be able to do what I need to do.
Q. What is added to their running game from the last time you saw them?
MARK BARRON: They're a physical team. I think depth, more depth. I guess they can give some of the other backs more rest and keep refreshed.
Q. You've experienced something like this, this media day before. What did you tell the younger guys to expect on a day as crazy as this?
MARK BARRON: Actually, I haven't even talked to them about it yet. Haven't had time to talk about it. We woke up, ate, and came straight over.
Q. And how much has that business approach, all?business approach, been leading into this week as far as Coach Saban and the coaches not really doing a whole lot of outside stuff but just keeping it focused on
the game?
MARK BARRON: We want to have fun, but at the same time we know what our mission is down here. If they want to have fun, but we gotta keep our focus towards this game.
Q. Speaking about the depth of running backs, how difficult is it? Most teams you can key on one, maybe two, but LSU has four in which they just keep fresh legs every single time coming at you, as they get back to the line, the linebackers.
MARKBARRON: Theycanbeverydifficultbecauseiftheycatchyouinaone?waytie,theymighthavea slight advantage over you.
But they all have different traits and we just have to make sure we know what's going on and what each back does.
Q. Talk about anything interesting that you've seen so far since you've been in New Orleans?
MARKBARRON: Everybodyisinteresting. DownonBourbonStreettheyhavealltypesofthings. They've got guys wearing women's clothing and there's people dancing, having a good time.
But it seems like it's a good place to be.
Q. Talk about you guys really preparing for Jarrett Lee and not really Jordan Jefferson, the switch this time around. DoyoufeelmorecomfortableknowingwhoisgoingtobethequarterbackatLSUasyouprepare for Monday's game, unlike you guys were in November when you had to really face two, you guys were prepared to face two?
MARK BARRON: We pretty much prepare to face two this time as well. Like I said, that first one we have to prepare for both and we knew what each guy did and what they were good at and what they weren't good at.
So it's the same way, prepare for both of them.
COURTNEY UPSHAW
Q. Courtney, when you think about this whole situation, let's face it, you cannot wait until Sunday, how agonizing is it? Because you guys have gone through all the huddles.
COURTNEY UPSHAW: Mainly it's the practices that's weighing on us. You know what I'm saying? Get to the game. A lot of people just want to go and play the game.
But I know here with Coach Saban it take time and preparation, and he's going to have us ready for the game.
Q. Talk about being here. This is something that you've been dreaming about. Last year you had to watch Auburn do what they did. And I asked the same question yesterday to (Trent) Richardson. It was simply this: It's not about winning the first game; it's about winning this game. Explain that.
COURTNEY UPSHAW: Yeah, I mean, that's what I tell a lot of people. A lot of people was kind of upset to hear that Alabama was in the big game. And they talk about the first game.
But, like you said, it's not about winning the first game. We want to come out this game and hopefully come out with a W.
We'replayingagoodLSUteam. Andweputonashowfory'allthefirstgame,andweplanondoingthe same.
Q. HowdidyouguysfeelwheneverybodykeptsayingOklahomaStatedeservesashot,Alabamahad their chance? Do you feel disrespected?
COURTNEY UPSHAW: Honestly, for me, I feel everybody does deserve a chance. I mean, they had an outstanding record this season. And I watched them play in the Bowl game and stuff like that.
But, I mean, people vote. They voted us into the game. So, I mean, that's my take on the whole thing.
Q. Whatdoyouseewhenyouwatchthat,youseeteamsthatdon'tplaythedefenseyourteamplaysor LSU plays? Do you feel like you'd handle one of those teams that gives up points?
COURTNEY UPSHAW: I mean, I'm sure ?? I got a bunch of faith in my team. I'm sure that anybody that we play against it will be a good game, defense, offensive?wise.
Watching games like that, it's fun watching all the scoring. But being a defensive player, you want to see a lot more defense.
Q. AlabamaandLSUhavekindofbeenputonthesameplane,andthenyouhaveotherteamsatthenext level. DoyoufeellikeAlabamashouldbeonthatplanewithLSUgiventhatthey'vegot13wins, undefeated, beat you at Tuscaloosa? Do you feel that's right?
COURTNEY UPSHAW: I do feel my team does deserve to be at the top with LSU. We're a good team, too. We lost to LSU by three points. I mean, defensive battle throughout the whole game, overtime.
Like I said, people voted us back in the game, and it's on us to go out and prove to them that they was right for putting us back in the game.
Q. How emotionally has it been for you this season? We drove through Tuscaloosa coming here, and obviously the damage of the tornado was there. How much is that on your mind, knowing that, still, with all that damage there, if you guys bring back a national championship, it changes the community?
COURTNEY UPSHAW: Well, for me, it's not that it's emotional, it's just that we gotta, you know what I'm saying, hopefully bring it back for the fans and for the people who were in the tornado, who died, had family members who died, and stuff like that.
But it's just that we want to win it for ourselves and also the fans.
Q. TalkabouthowJordanJeffersonchangedthegameinthatfirstmeeting. Youcameinthereanddidthe option. Youguyshadalittlebitofaproblemstoppingwhenhecameinthere.
COURTNEY UPSHAW: I wouldn't say it was a problem, it was just that we gotta execute with the defense that was called and have people in the right spots. And they made big plays for it. He's a good back. He made big plays himself on that option.
It's just on us to go out and execute the defense that's called.
DONT'A HIGHTOWER
DONT'AHIGHTOWER: We'regoingtogetstartedandgetreadyforthegamecomeMonday.
Q. Any kind of nerves on your team?
DONT'A HIGHTOWER: Oh, no, we're just ready to play. That's one thing that we've been preparing for all year. That's one thing, we came together as a unit. We always prepare every week the same.
And we know it's a one?game season right here, and we know they're going to bring their all and they know we're going to bring ours. So we're ready for the war.
Q. You're more jacked up now that you're here and it's real?
DONT'A HIGHTOWER: Most definitely, most definitely. Last time we played, and being in the championship game, it's the most exciting thing that you can have in the college football career.
And so get out there and practice tomorrow, the tempo is going to be very heightened. It's very heightened even the last few days. We know we're in New Orleans and we're ready to ball.
Q. (Questionregardinglonglayoff)?
DONT'A HIGHTOWER: Just getting back into the game. Me as a football player and our team, we don’t take any days off. And we have scrimmages and we go ahead and practice every day.
So for us to say that we haven't played for a long time, we haven't had a real game, but we've been playing hard and practicing as hard as we can.
We're prepared for this and we can't wait to get out there.
Q. (QuestionregardingbeinginNewOrleans)?
DONT'A HIGHTOWER: Of course we're trying to not get into any trouble. We have a good team. I don't expect anybody getting in any trouble, nobody looking for trouble.
We're out here for strictly business for us and try to get the W come Monday.
Q. What are your emotions like knowing your playing for a the national championship?
DONT'A HIGHTOWER: I can't wait. I can't explain how my emotions are right now. I'm shaky right now talking about this, just getting out there playing. I couldn't even sleep on the plane.
I'm ready for this game. I've been waiting for this game all this year and we made it here and we're going to make sure we try to play it all right.
JOSH CHAPMAN
Q. What's your thoughts on the rematch? Does either team have an advantage when you've already played somebody? And I guess most people seem to think that the team that lost the first one has a bit of an advantage, maybe they're a little more motivated or whatever. What do you think?
JOSH CHAPMAN: I wouldn't use the word "rematch" as a term of describing the game it's just a battle between the two best teams in the country and seeing if we can come out with the goals they set in the beginning of the year. So, I mean, our goal was to be the best team in the country.
By doing that, we got to where we want to be. And those guys, LSU, they're a great team, but it's time for us to show what we've been working for.
Q. How much do you look back, though, on that game? Certainly you've obviously studied it for game planning and stuff like that. How much impact does that game have?
JOSH CHAPMAN: It has a lot. We've learned a lot from that game. The game kind of made our season what it is now. It's about finishing. We didn't finish that game and didn't capitalize. Those guys capitalized on our mistakes, and they finished stronger than we did.
We learned a lot from it. We go out and finish. Coaches showed us when we do things right, it's hard to beat us.
Q. Not giving anything away, but do you all look at ?? how much can you learn, like little tendencies or things from the game, just looking at film? How much does that help you that you've got film on them actually playing them?
JOSHCHAPMAN: Imean,everyteamhastendencies. We'vegottendenciesonourteam. Certainteams docertainstuff. Youhavetolearnandstudyfilm. Onceyoustudyfilmalot,yougettolearnthesystemof where the ball's going or stuff like that from a defensive player's standpoint.
So a lot of teams have certain tendencies, and people learn how to study those.
Q. Do you use any of the social media: Facebook or Twitter? JOSH CHAPMAN: I got Facebook, all that stuff. I'm not really into it all. I just have it just to have it, really.
Q. Gottahaveitnowadays. ButdoesCoachSabanhaveanyrulesonthat?
JOSH CHAPMAN: I mean he has rules about it. But at the same time he allows you to have it. But he doesn’t want you putting anything out there to embarrass yourself or the team. You embarrass the team if you put something crazy out there, but also yourself.
Q. Does he have somebody watching to keep up ?? JOSH CHAPMAN: That's one thing we really don't pay attention to. That's something that's outside of it.
Q. Can you talk about LSU's running backs? How important is it for you guys to shore up the defensive line, not have holes, keeping them running east to west?
JOSHCHAPMAN: Theyhavegreatrunningbacks. Theyruntheballhard,fast. Theyhaveagreat offensivelinethatblocksforthem. Thoseguysfindtheholeandrunthroughit,rundownhill.
That'sgoingtobeagamethat'sgoingtobewonatthelineofscrimmage. We'regoingtogooutand dominate those guys.
Q. This time with Jordan Jefferson being the starting quarterback, very mobile, very able to get away from guys and make things happen with his feet. Do you like playing guys like that? Is it difficult playing guys like that? What's your mindset?
JOSH CHAPMAN: My mindset is going out and doing our job. He's a great running quarterback. He can run and throw the ball, so we've got to contain the guy.
The thing is, we've got to affect the guy. That's what we've been practicing on is affecting the quarterback.
Q. With media day, do you get tired of answering the same questions over and over again? JOSH CHAPMAN: I mean, it's questions they're going to be asked, so I don't mind.
Q. This game, if it plays out like the first one, it's going to come down to the trenches. And what is it that you guys have been preparing for, obviously, now that you've seen them once? How do you approach this differently than the first game?
JOSHCHAPMAN: Onethingwelearnedfromthefirstgameisfinishing. That'sonething. Thoseguys capitalizeonourmistakes. Andthegameisalwayswonoutinthetrenches,whocandominatethelineof scrimmage.
That's one thing we harp ourselves on here. Dominate, creating a new line of scrimmage on the defense. And our offensive line does a great job of knocking guys back, and we improved on that.
Q. What would you rather do? Would you rather take up two, three blockers and let somebody else make a play, or would you rather get through there and make a play?
JOSHCHAPMAN: Ilikebeingdowninthetrenches. Iliketwopeopleonme,becausemythingislikeit's like a fight in the backyard. You got two trying to fight you, somebody better come free from my own team.
It's fun down there fighting in the trenches. I know I got great linebackers, great secondary behind me making plays. It's fun when you're down, they got three guys on you, and you hear tackle, Hightower, Mosley, somebody out there coming for you.
That's one thing about our defense and running this 3?4, somebody is always going to be free when you got there.
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