No one expected us to win, but we knew we were going to win that game. We knew their offense was not doing well and our defense was not doing well, but we just stayed focused. – LSU offensive lineman KJ Malone
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Where is Utah Jazz basketball legend Karl Malone now? At one time, NBA fans in Utah watched The Mailman deliver on the court.
Now, 1,667 miles from Salt Lake City, Malone and his family have returned to a familiar place in Southern Louisiana to cheer on their son as he pursues a football experience.
As a college freshman, 19-year-old KJ Malone plays for powerhouse LSU, and the strong 6-foot-4, 289-pound offensive lineman is loving his opportunity.
Headed into Week 8 of the college football season, it was anticipated by many spectators that third-ranked Ole Miss would most likely devour the No. 24 Tigers.
An atomic crowd filled Death Valley in Tiger Stadium Saturday night where the Tigers baited and hooked their long-time rival Ole Miss.
After a long defensive battle, Ole Miss led 7-3 in the third quarter. The Tigers turned the game around in the fourth quarter with a Logan Stokes touchdown for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in the 10-7 win.
"No one expected us to win, but we knew we were going to win that game," said Malone. "We knew their offense was not doing well and our defense was not doing well, but we just stayed focused."
As students and fans rushed the field after a wild fourth quarter, Kay Malone, wife of Karl Malone said, "What a game. This is a historic event for LSU."
In the meantime, Karl Malone was rallying for KJ as he watched his son carry a teammate on the field.
"I love when they (my family) come to watch me," KJ said.
Without much contemplation, KJ expressed that beating Ole Miss has undoubtedly been the most memorable experience for him.
KJ chose to attend LSU where he feels at home in Louisiana.
"It's amazing, it's unreal and I love it," he said.
He visited LSU before college and expressed that it felt like being with family.
As he continues to progress and grow with his team, KJ focuses on his athletic technique, while in his off time he can also enjoy greater perks in life like his favorite food: crawfish — a unique compliment of Louisiana.
KJ looks forward to facing LSU's upcoming opponent.
"We will just keep at it in practice, so that we can be ready for Alabama," he said.
LSU hosts Alabama Nov. 8.
Lauren Rose Spencer can be found on Twitter at laurenrose324.