The top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 19 LSU Tigers square off in a critical SEC clash Saturday night from Bryant Denny Stadium.

Since Nick Saban’s arrival in Tuscaloosa, the LSU game has risen to rivalry status with fierce, hard fought contests defining the last decade of the series.

Long before Nick Saban coached LSU or Alabama, a local standout had his sights set on playing football in the SEC.

Former Central High Falcon Harold Bishop grew up in the Alabama family as his father was a professor at the University of Alabama. However, when decision time arrived, Bishop headed to LSU to play his college football.

The Tuscaloosa native played with the Tigers from 1990-1993 under Mike Archer and Curley Hallman. Bishop reeled in 43 career receptions for 442 yards and a touchdown in his LSU career.

During Wednesday’s edition of The Gary Harris Show, Bishop discussed several topics including his decision to attend LSU instead of LSU, the state of the LSU program and how he nearly ended up on Nick Saban’s coaching staff at LSU after playing in the NFL.

“When Coach Saban initially got to LSU, I was kind of ending my NFL career, and he actually offered me a job to be a GA and I turned it down.” Bishop said. “I had just gotten a job at a pharmaceutical company, and I was all excited about being a businessman to kind of want to get away from football, but in retrospect, I should have taken that job.”

Concerning the state of LSU program, Bishop listed a few key points for LSU to return to a championship level program.

After falling to Troy on Homecoming, LSU has won three straight games including two on the road. The former LSU tight end talked about Orgeron’s ability to keep the team together.

“He’s rallied his troops. The kids really do believe in him. He has a style that is very, very player friendly, and they respect him.” Bishop said.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game in Tuscaloosa, Bishop analyzed the depth and quality of players as a primary asset for the Crimson Tide.

“The depth of the University of Alabama football team is tremendous. The quality of players is tremendous. They have kids that are on the sidelines, third string that could be starting at 90 percent of these universities in the nation.” Bishop said.

In his breakdown of LSU, Bishop touched on the attitude he expects the players to have on Saturday night and the type of game that would give them a chance to compete against Alabama.

“I think they’ll come in and they’ll play as hard as they can. They’ll believe in Coach O. They’ll play on their emotions. They’ll play on their abilities, and if we can sustain Alabama’s depth and compete and keep it to a low-scoring game, we may have a chance.” Bishop stated.

The Gary Harris Show airs every weekday from 9-11 AM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the Tide 102.9 app.

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