l or it didnt bother me, but I was talking to him a few days before, so I understood what was going on, Ferguson said.It was more of a shock to the world, put it like that. It

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Publicly, LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been largely silent about the perceived score he and the No. 15 Tigers have to settle with top-ranked Alabama.The Tigers powerful and explosive star running back -- who scored three touchdowns of 59 yards or longer in his previous game -- was nowhere to be seen during designated times for media interviews this week. But when the cameras and microphones were gone, Fournette apparently had plenty to say to his teammates about facing a Crimson Tide squad that last year held him to a mere 31 yards on 19 carries while defeating the Tigers for a fifth-straight time .Hes probably the most motivated guy on the team, LSU interim coach Ed Orgeron said this week. He has spoken to the team and will speak to the team again. His want-to to have success against Alabama is as high as any other player Ive seen.The Tigers confidence is surging as they aim to end their skid against their century-old nemesis from two states away on Saturday night in Death Valley. LSU (5-2, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) has won three straight -- each by 17 or more points -- since Orgeron took over for Les Miles in late September.This is obviously one of the biggest games of the year -- always is, Alabama coach Nick Saban said, adding the LSU is probably as good a team as weve played all year, especially the way theyre playing now.Regardless of how the Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0) ruined Fournettes Heisman Trophy candidacy by bottling him up in Tuscaloosa last year, Saban asserted that LSUs 6-foot-1, 235-pound junior is probably one of the most dynamic running backs that has played in college football for a while -- and is playing extremely well right now.Thats one reason why Tigers tight end Colin Jeter foreshadows the latest edition of Alabama-LSU this way: Its going to be a juggernaut battle and basically a street-fight game.Here are some of the main story lines heading to the 81st meeting of the Crimson Tide and Tigers since 1895:DOMINANT DEFENSESAlabamas defense is ranked fourth nationally in yards allowed (274.5 per game). The Tide has forced 16 turnovers in eight games -- eight fumble recoveries and eight interceptions -- and made 64 tackles for losses with 32 sacks.Orgeron said Alabama fields obviously the best defense weve seen -- might be one of the best defenses in college football history.LSU allowed just eight TDs this season, and no more than two in a single game. Saban expressed admiration for how first-year LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has harnessed his talent.Everybody doing their job and being sound and disciplined in what they do is what makes then really good, because they have really good players, Saban said. LSU is a really, really quality defensive team.HURTS ON ROAD: Tide freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts has had some mistakes in previous road games but bounced back strong. Now, he enters earth-trembling-loud Death Valley for the first time. Hurts has accounted for eight touchdowns rushing and passing in three SEC road games, while topping 100 rushing yards twice.FORMIDABLE FOURNETTE: Because of a nagging left ankle injury, Fournette has played only once since Orgeron took over. That was in LSU previous game two weeks ago against Ole Miss, when Fournette vaulted himself back into Heisman consideration by setting and LSU single-game rushing record with 284 yards. He did so on just 16 carries, averaging 17.8 yards per carry.Hes just a genetic freak and certainly great to have him on your team, Jeter said. He brings that power to the game and brings confidence to all of us.REPLACING JACKSON: This is Alabamas first game since safety/punt returner Eddie Jackson was lost for the season to a broken leg. Cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick has been working at the safety spot, though Saban hasnt publicly declared him the fill-in starter. Xavian Marks has returned a punt for a touchdown while freshman Trevon Diggs and Calvin Ridley have both taken turns fielding punts. Jackson had already scored on two punt returns and an interception return.SABANS RETURN: Having won a national title at LSU in the 2003 season, Sabans return to Baton Rouge as a rival coach has become a major component to this rivalry. Since leaving the NFL for `Bama in 2007, Saban is 7-3 vs. LSU, with the Tigers winning in 2007, 2010 and 2011.---AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org---AP Sports Writer John Zenor in Tuscaloosa, Alabama contributed to this report.Cheap Nike Zoom UK For Sale . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. Discount Nike Zoom UK . Once again, DeLaet finished tied for second at a PGA Tour stop on the weekend, this time at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The pride of Weyburn, Sask. http://www.nikezoomsaleuk.com/ . LOUIS -- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St. Cheap Nike Zoom UK Fast Shipping . The 26-year-old Ireland striker, who has four goals this season, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with his new club. Cheap Nike Zoom UK Online .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward James Neal on injured reserve Tuesday.LOS ANGELES -- Baby Slice is ready to fight.Kevin Ferguson Jr., the oldest son of late fighting star Kimbo Slice, will make his professional mixed martial arts debut next month for the Bellator promotion, The Associated Press learned Monday night.Ferguson had his first amateur MMA fight in March, stopping his opponent in 83 seconds. Less than three months after the death of his father, who also fought for Bellator, the 24-year-old Ferguson will fight on the undercard of Bellator 160 in Anaheim, California, on Aug. 26.I was always around the fight business and everything, so I saw it and I understood what was going on, Ferguson told the AP. I just knew without a doubt that one day, this was what I wanted to do.Ferguson showed a glimpse of his fathers punching power in his amateur debut in March, but he has been training full time in MMA for just two years. He studied photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco before deciding to pursue his first athletic passion in the cage.I trained [in MMA] a little bit in college, but not really, Ferguson said. I was more focused on having fun and partying a little bit, getting that out of my system early. I trained a little bit, like once a week.Although he played football and basketball at his private high school in South Florida, Ferguson preferred the one-on-one rawness of wrestling and MMA.Despite his collegiate photography training and his fathers imposing shadow, Ferguson decided to pursue a fighting career seriously with the blessing of Slice, who parlayed his fame from viral backyard fighting videos into a lucrative career in MMA and boxing.dddddddddddd.The 42-year-old Slice also fought for Bellator earlier this year, but he had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and needed a heart transplant when he collapsed at his home on June 6. He died at a hospital several hours later.I wont say I adjusted well or it didnt bother me, but I was talking to him a few days before, so I understood what was going on, Ferguson said.It was more of a shock to the world, put it like that. It was still a very big tragedy, but I got through it. Im still getting through it. I wont say Im over it, but Im working on it, I guess.Ferguson has two younger brothers and three younger sisters. Slice once said the most important function of his fighting career was to provide his children with college educations.Ferguson trained in Connecticut before moving to Long Beach, California, two months ago to train in the gym of veteran MMA fighter Antonio McKee. He has been working alongside fellow Bellator fighters A.J. McKee, Bubba Jenkins and Joey Davis, who are all fighting at Honda Center in Anaheim next month.Antonio just changed the game for me, Ferguson said. He understood what I needed, and he understands the science behind it all.Bellator is likely to build up Ferguson against comparable competition. His opponent for next months debut should be selected this week.Bellator 160 in Anaheim will be headlined by former UFC champion Benson Henderson and Patricio Pitbull Freire. The show airs on Spike. ' ' '