Statistically, the No. 15 LSU football team’s defense is both one of the best and one of the worst in the Southeastern Conference.
Affectionately called “Defensive Back University” by many fans, LSU’s play against the passing game this season backs up the nickname. Over their first five games, the Tigers have allowed 653 yards through the air, second in the SEC only to No. 11 Ole Miss. SEC teams have given up an average of 976.9 passing yards, which further highlights the secondary’s production.
However, the Tigers’ run defense is a different story.
In a conference that boasts stingy ground defenses that have allowed an average of 576.9 total rushing yards in 2014, LSU has given up 808 yards. Only South Carolina is worse, with 822 rushing yards allowed.
In comparison, No. 3 Alabama leads the SEC in run defense, allowing a total of 248 rushing yards.
“We just have to come to practice and be conscious of what we have to do as individuals on the defense,” said junior cornerback Jalen Collins. “We need to be gap sound and run to the ball. We’ve had some injuries in the defensive line and at linebacker, so some of these guys have to step up.”
Even with the stark contrast between its pass and rush defense, LSU has yielded the second-fewest points per game in the conference with 13 and the third-fewest yards per game with 292.2.
For LSU to stay competitive in a talented conference, the defense will not only have to continue to shut down the passing game but also plug the holes in its rushing defense.
“We’ve had some communication problems,” said sophomore defensive tackle Christian LaCouture. “Once we communicate and go out and play LSU football, we’ll be okay.”
A string of injuries sidelining key defenders like sophomore cornerback Dwayne Thomas will force younger players like freshmen defensive backs Jamal Adams and Ed Paris to step up and fill big shoes.Thomas suffered an ACL injury in the Tigers’ win against New Mexico State last Saturday and will miss the remainder of the season.
The lack of communication and injuries to key players seem to be common themes holding back the defense. The next two games on the Tigers’ slate are at No. 5 Auburn and Florida, which both average more than 200 rushing yards per game.
If the communication issues are not worked out before these matchups, the defense may have a difficult time containing Auburn’s senior running back Cameron Artis-Payne and Florida’s freshman running back Matt Jones.
“I feel like we can communicate better, watch more film and do better with reading intentions,” said sophomore defensive back Tre’Davious White. “It’ll come in time. I can’t point out one thing, but it’s coming together. The progress we make today will roll over into tomorrow, and that will keep rolling into the game.”
You can reach Michael Haarala on Twitter @haarala_TDR.