Orgeron sees Alabama as within striking distance for LSU

Alabama has defeated LSU the last six times the two programs have clashed, but Ed Orgeron doesn't see the success of his rivals as that far out of reach.

Orgeron took to the podium Monday to kick off SEC Media Days to answer questions about the upcoming season, and one in particular surrounded his perception regarding his staunchest divisional rival, according to Marq Burnett of SEC Country.

"Obviously they've done a great job. Coach (Nick) Saban has done great job," Orgeron said. "He did a great job last year at LSU. Last year, it was a very tight game. It was 0-0 going into the fourth quarter. Their quarterback made a few plays and we didn't. I don't know if it's that big of a gap. We need to play our football."

The Tigers have not earned a win over the Crimson Tide since Nov. 5, 2011 when LSU squeaked out a 9-6 victory in overtime. Along with a six-game winning streak in the rivalry, Alabama has also outscored LSU 140-63 over that span.

Only one of those victories came over an Orgeron-led team, however, and the 55-year-old claims to know exactly how to best compete with Saban and Alabama moving forward.

"The way to beat Alabama is to recruit on their level," Orgeron said. "They're recruiting at a very high level now. They do a great job of evaluation. Coach coaches very well and gets his team ready to play. Again, last year, we weren't that far off."