The LSU football team had a mountain to overcome in 2013 after the defense lost eight underclassmen to the NFL draft, forcing defensive coordinator John Chavis to play eight true freshmen at varying points in the season.
For the first time in several years, it appeared the Tigers would have to survive with a high-flying offensive attack rather than a bruising wall of a defense as they’ve done in seasons past.
There was hope early on that the youthful defense would manage in the nation’s most brutal league — particularly following a strong performance against the Southeastern Conference’s No. 2 offense during a rainy game in Tiger Stadium versus Auburn. But problems began to show during the team’s visit to Athens, Ga., where the Tigers lost their first game of the season to the Bulldogs 44-41.
“We were a mistake or two away from winning that game,” said LSU coach Les Miles following the September matchup. “It was a tremendously competitive game, and there’s a lot of things we can correct and make us a lot better.”
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns on the hot day in the Peach State.
LSU senior linebacker Lamin Barrow said most of the mistakes during the game stemmed from busted coverages and missed assignments but promised those problems would be fixed as the season progressed.
The defense picked up slightly throughout the season, still managing to produce the SEC’s No. 4 ranked defense, averaging just 349.7 yards per game, but the youth of the defense remained evident as the Tigers continued to hit several highs and lows throughout the season.
“I think we’re making progress,” Miles said in a September interview about the improving defense. “I think we get better and better with each quarter. The young guys and the veterans feel more comfortable understanding their role. I think we’ll continue to improve.”
The high of the season came in a late-November matchup with Texas A&M when LSU took down reigning Heisman Trophy winner and hopeful repeat winner, quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Manziel posted 278 total yards and a touchdown on the rainy day in Baton Rouge, but for the second consecutive season, LSU stifled Johnny Football’s magic in one of the Aggie’s worst performances since Manziel earned the starting job two seasons ago.
“I heard people saying that it’s not the same defense [that beat A&M last year],” said LSU junior defensive tackle Anthony Johnson following the game. “I wish those guys in the NFL now the best, but we’re still an LSU defense. You see who got the ‘W’ today.”
The Tigers have one last chance to prove their defense belongs among the ranks of past LSU defenses when they play in the team’s bowl game, and for a few defenders, it’ll be the final time they ever wear the purple and gold of an LSU uniform.
Barrow and senior safety Craig Loston will both leave Baton Rouge due to graduation, while several more underclassmen are expected to depart for the professional ranks come April.
“I don’t know how I’m going to react to it,” Loston said after the team’s final regular season game against Arkansas in November. “I don’t know whether to be happy or shed a couple of tears at this point.”