Les Miles didn’t know the answer to every LSU fan’s question.
The Tigers defense had allowed 449 total yards in one of its worst performances of 2014 and rumors of defensive coordinator John Chavis leaving were everywhere. But Miles didn’t know the situation concerning his assistant, and had no clear answer about his future.
“I don’t know. I’m told that’s the case [from media reports],” Miles said regarding the rumors about Chavis. “We will have to find that out later.”
Though Chavis’ future was in question, the Tigers still had a game to play.
Both teams had big offensive plays Tuesday afternoon, but Notre Dame (8-5) pulled of a few more as it defeated LSU (8-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference), 31-28 ,in the 2014 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. The Fighting Irish sealed the game on a 32-yard field goal by senior kicker Kyle Brindza
The loss appeared to be the opposite of how LSU played all season, with big offensive plays cancelled out by miscues on defense. The defense ranked No. 1 in the SEC allowed 21 points and 263 rushing yards in the first half.
The Irish made their biggest plays on third down, going 11-for-17 during the game and killing LSU with long drives. The final, game-winning drive featured three third down conversions, including a third-and-10 from Notre Dame’s 42 yard line.
“Well, obviously [we were] not good enough. And that’s my fault,” Chavis said. “We have good players, I thought they prepared well. We didn’t do a very good job of getting off on third down. That’s probably as bad as we have been on third down.”
Rumors of John Chavis leaving Baton Rouge for Texas A&M began a week before, but more reports began coming in a few hours before game time. During the game, Jordy Culotta from 104.5 ESPN reported Chavis was on his way out and joining A&M with a four-year deal.
Chavis refused to talk about anything other than the game and offered no time table as to when he may talk about the rumors. Many LSU players said they had not heard anything about Chavis leaving and that he had not told them anything.
“That’s very surprising to me because the way he talks and he has a great relationship with the guys,” said senior defensive lineman Jermauria Rasco about the rumors. “I don’t think he is leaving, but at the end of the day you have to do what is best for him and his family.”
Notre Dame began the game firing, putting together a touchdown drive spanning 15 plays and 66 yards. The Fighting Irish hit the Tigers with a multitude of small but successful plays, ending with a 12-yard touchdown pass to sophomore receiver William Fuller.
Leading the Irish on that drive and for most of the game was sophomore quarterback and Music City Bowl MVP Malik Zaire. He earned his first start after junior quarterback Everett Golson started all 12 regular season games.
Golson made appearances later in the game, throwing for 90 yards and avoiding turning the ball over. But it was Zaire who exposed the LSU defense on the ground and in the air, gaining 96 passing and rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Zaire’s threat to run the ball created opportunities for other players to have success on the ground. Junior receiver C.J. Prosise and sophomore running back Tarean Folston both scored rushing touchdowns after Zaire kept the ball on several option plays.
“When you spread the field, and you get a big guy like [Zaire] who is physical and fast you have an opportunity to gain yardage,” Chavis said. “He gained a little bit more than we should have allowed, and you have to give him and the Notre Dame coaches credit.”
The game marred an effective outing from LSU’s offense, especially freshman running back Leonard Fournette. The New Orleans native gained 272 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns, the second giving LSU its first lead of the game in the third quarter.
Anthony Jennings completed only seven passes, but his 151 passing yards were the most he has had since Sept. 20 against Mississippi State. Jennings’ biggest play came on a 75-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver John Diarse to begin the second half.
The offense could have added 10 more points if not for miscues on special teams. Junior quarterback Brad Kragthorpe failed to score on a fake field goal before the first half, and sophomore kicker Trent Domingue had a 40-yard field goal blocked in the fourth quarter.
Diarse said he was proud of his accomplishments but he also felt for the defense that had made so many big plays for the team throughout the year.
“It’s definitely tough when you don’t do as well as you think you could,” Diarse said. “It’s just one of those games, and we have got to do better defensively as far as executing and getting the defense the ball back.”
The LSU defense, with or without Chavis, brings back young talent like freshman safety Jamal Adams and sophomore linebacker Kendell Beckwith, who combined for 19 tackles in the loss. Juniors such as Danielle Hunter and Jalen Mills may also return for the 2015 campaign.
Miles didn’t have an answer on whether Chavis would continue leading the defense that struggled Tuesday. But by the end of the press conference, he was referring to his assistant in past tense.
“I want to keep this business internal. What I can tell you is John Chavis was very productive for us,” Miles said. “He’s had a great career at LSU, that’s kind of all I’m going to say.