LSU cornerback Morris Clairborne (WBRC photo)NEW ORLEANS (WBRC) -
The idea that Alabama and LSU are filled with players who constantly "trash talk" each other depends on your definition of the phrase.
The annual matchup between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide has turned into one of the harshest rivalries in the SEC, yet the players say they have too much respect for their opponent to go too far with their comments.
"We both have a lot of respect for each other, and we respect each other on the field," said LSU cornerback Morris Clairborne. "The trash talk is just something that comes with the game."
The two teams will face each other Monday to determine the champion of college football, a rematch from a game earlier in the season that ended with neither team scoring a touchdown. Players on both teams say their own mistakes that night are enough reason to keep the "trash talk" in check.
"When you are playing against a great team like Alabama, you don't try to pick out individuals," said LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. "You'd rather just focus on the whole team and you'd rather just watch film of the whole team and get a better understanding of the team."
LSU safety Eric Reid says the idea of trash talking between players is more of a misconception than reality.
"I think the trash talk is pretty much done between the fans," Reid said. "The players have respect for each other. We're here to play football, and that's what we're going to do, and we let our fans talk for us if they want to."
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