I understand Miles' point throughout the season - in that, at times, we played stellar defense and that the primary problem was a lack of discipline. I do think Miles' believed, and probably still does believe, that Mallory & Peveto could improve and put a better defense on the field. However, I don't think the Arkansas game made a big difference. Too many high-up people wanted this change, and the season as a whole had to be considered.
The problem is roughly half the teams LSU has played this season use some variation of the spread offense, and with the current (Pelini's) defensive scheme, LSU is simply incapable of stopping it. Even with disciplined players who know their roles in the defense, I suspect we'd have the same problems (see 2nd half of last season). Against conventional offenses (Bama's), that scheme can work, but LSU has struggled tremendously against everyone else. No one can tell me Troy fielded anywhere near LSU's talent level, but they still picked the team apart for 3 quarters. The spread is here to stay in college football, and for that reason a new, more aggressive defensive style is needed. To do that you need a coaching overhaul IMO, and that won't happen if Miles keeps Mallory at DC. Had LSU beaten Ole Miss and Arky, this would be the most likely scenario. But right now a drastic change is needed to stay competitive for an SEC title with the likes of Florida, and if Les doesn't see that by now, God help us.
