ATLANTA — Prior to Saturday’s College Football Playoff semifinal game, LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger stood alone at the 35-yard line of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, his expression stoic as he watched LSU’s offense run through its drills. He threw glances into the stands, and he accepted the brief embraces of coaches and backup quarterback Myles Brennan.
Just hours before, a plane carrying Ensminger’s daughter-in-law and five other people crashed in Lafayette, Louisiana. Five people, including Carley McCord, the wife of Ensminger’s son Steve Jr., died in the crash. The plane was bound for Atlanta; McCord was bound for the game.