In the Hyundai Texans Radio studio, LSU head coach Les Miles sits in the same chair where, just one week ago, Alfred Blue was interviewed.
As the Tigers prepare for their upcoming bowl game at NRG Stadium, it's ironic that Miles reflected on another big game in his career with Blue on his mind.
"It's an interesting thing," Miles said to Texans Radio. "The year we win the conference, and play in the national title, we lose Alfred Blue just before we get to the national title. If we would have had him, it certainly would have been a lot more enjoyable that day."
Miles is referring to the 2012 BCS National Championship game where LSU lost 21-0 to Alabama. After a 13-0 season, Tigers were averaging 215 yards rushing per game but put up just 39 yards in the championship loss on 27 carries.
"I just felt like he was one of the losses that we had in personnel prior to that game that really made a difference," Miles said. "Alfred was a starter at tailback. He was a guy that could catch a ball out of the backfield. He was a special teams phenom, down the field and knock you down. I mean, he would have taken a ton of reps in that game so yeah, we missed him."
It's been two years since Blue left the LSU program, but he remembers his days playing for Miles fondly.
"He meant a lot," Blue said. "He was a players' coach. You pass him in the hall, you see him at practice, he'll call you over, ask you how you're doing and how's school, how's your family doing. I had a good relationship with him. I used to talk to him all the time and practice and stuff when I'd see him around in the hallways."
Blue played in 40 games with seven starts during his collegiate career (2010-13). In 2011, he rushed for 539 yards on 78 carries and scored seven touchdowns for the Tigers.
The LSU Tigers will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders at NRG Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 29 in the 10th anniversary of the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT. Click here to purchase tickets.
