In LSU’s locker room the words “Four quarters of mean, nasty, tough ass football” stand out on a whiteboard.
That’s how the LSU defense tends to play.
When you compare the Tigers to Alabama, it’s easy to look at the statistics and stop there. ‘Bama ranks ahead of LSU in every defensive category — rushing defense, passing defense, total defense and scoring defense.
That doesn’t tell the whole story. For this game, the statistics need to go out the window.
LSU is currently ranked No. 3 in scoring defense, allowing 11.5 points per game compared to Alabama’s 6.88.
However, three touchdowns scored against LSU came at the end of the game when the Tigers were simply content to let the clock run out.
Take away late touchdowns by Oregon, Kentucky and Auburn, and that number drops to 8.88.
On paper, Alabama’s defense has a distinctive height advantage in many areas compared to LSU’s defense.
Good thing they don’t play games on paper.
LSU’s biggest asset is its ability to fly to the ball and create turnovers. Some of its players, like 5-foot-9 sophomore nickelback Tyrann Mathieu, might be small, but they don’t lack for heart.
The Tigers have forced 18 turnovers this season compared to Alabama’s 14. LSU ranks No. 2 in the nation in turnover margin, in large part because of Mathieu’s knack for getting to the ball.
Mathieu has two interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in seven games. He’s not the only one who can get to the ball, though.
Nine different LSU players have forced turnovers. The Tigers didn’t miss a beat against Auburn, despite sitting Mathieu and sophomore defensive back Tharold Simon for violating team rules.
Senior reserve cornerback Ron Brooks stepped in to force a fumble and return an interception for a touchdown.
Mathieu and Simon are expected to play Nov. 5.
If you look past the paper, the LSU defense stacks up against Alabama’s just fine.
 
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Contact Katherine Terrell at [email protected].