In 2008, our D finished around 32nd. Last year we finished in at 26th. We had improvement in some areas and other areas lacked; however, under our second year and with some of the returning talent, what do most of us hear think how our D will finish in total. In our National Title years, our D was top 5. While I would love to see a D like that again, I think we are at least another year before we see that, though, I do feel that we could easily field a top 10-15 depending on some key players stepping up to the challenge. Also, when I look at the west, I would say our D is 2nd under Bama. I just think from the past few years that they will be more disciplined off the bat. Talent wise, I think LSU is second to none; discipline is the key factor “I think”. In the SEC as a hole, I would have to say that LSU would rank 3rd on D behind Bama > UF > LSU. Part of me feels that UF will have some growing pains on D, but they are still loaded with talent and great coaching so they will likely be good again. Even though we finished like 6th in total D in the SEC last year, I think we have enough returning talent + new talent + 2nd year under the new system to push us into a 3rd in the SEC over all if not 2nd. I am also hoping this translates into around a 15th ranked nationally. IF and a BIG IF Our D comes around to these numbers, I see LSU as a strong contender for the SEC champ game even with minor issues on O. Again, the O could be our deciding factor in an average season to a good – great season. What say you? LSU!
The 2010 defense: 1. will be very fast--there are legitimate sub 4.5 speedsters in the game 2. will have defensive backs that stick like glue--essentially 4 big, quick cornerbacks 3. will be thin at linebacker . . . but speedy 4. will be green on the defensive line . . . but more talented 5. will be in their 2nd year of the Chavis defense--and more confident
I am of the opinion that the D will look much better statistically when the O starts to hang onto the ball and score some points. 3 and out makes it tough on anybody if it happens all game long. Also, if the offense doesn't move the ball then the starting position of the opposing team affects the LSU defenses ability to be aggressive and makes play calling for the other team much more multi-dimensional. If LSU would be able to get up 14-0 after the first quarter on anybody then you would see a much more aggressive D. That is my only complaint about the Miles era lately. We always play from behind. I also don't like always defering the kickoff to the second half. Obviously I live in Florida so I know a lot of Gator fans. They always love to talk about Spurrier and Wuerffel the year they scored a touchdown on the first possession like 8 games in a row or something. How would you like to play with a 7 point lead right off the bat? I think the LSU defense would look a lot better then.
We're loaded and very talented at DB. I think how successful the D will be swings largely on the play of the DL. Second year of the entire D staff will help, but we have to get better stopping the run and rushing the passer with the front 4.
Great post flabengal! I've been saying this for a couple of seasons. Part of our bad defensive ranking is how poor the O has played. If you don't hold the ball and drive, you run the D out there and let the other team drive on you, especially after you wear down late in the game. The other thing that concerns me is that our D gets so light and fast that we can't stop a power running team like Bama. Seems we're designing to stop the spread. Bama ran very effectively on us in the second half last year, with Ingram and Richardson (two best backs in one backfield next year). That's what gave them the game.
While I do agree that size does come into play to an extent at times. I feel that if youre a fundamentally sound team, who plays well together then speed is a HUGE advantage. Just look at the dominating Ds that FSU and Miami put out there for so many years. Often times they were a bit undersized but played well together, but all had exceptional speed. The problem with LSU is that all too often the team makes too many mental errors the last two years. Plus the tackling was atrocious to end the year. Overall I think the D will be a very strong one this coming season. If LSU can teach tackling and the DL shows some improvement I think we have something very special down the road.
No. LSU's Defense did a better job against Bama than Florida's Defense did, and their Defense was ranked #4 Total Defense. LSU stopped the run better & of course allowed less points scored than Florida did. There was nothing wrong with LSU's defense last year. Especially considering LSU had a new DC. The LSU Defense finished #11 in Scorong Defense Nationally. Most fans around the country knew that Peterson's INT, that was handed back to Bama, cost LSU a legitimate shot at winning that game.
Disagree, we got absolutely no pressure on the quarterback. We should have the best secondary in college football this year, if the D Line steps it up, and run stuffs and puts pressure on the quarterback, watch out kids.
