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A graphic from ESPN tells the story of the LSU Defense's struggles in 2024

By Nicholas Rome

Sep 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) is sacked by LSU Tigers defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux (93) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) is sacked by LSU Tigers defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux (93) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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In 2023, the LSU Football team wasted a historic season from the offense with one of the worst defenses in school history. After the season, we were all promised change as Brian Kelly cleaned house firing Matt House and his staff. LSU spent a ton of money bringing in Blake Baker as the highest paid defensive coordinator in the sport and paid a ton to poach positional coaches like Bo Davis and Kevin Peoples.

There have been some improvements in the front seven as the edge rushers and linebackers have played a better brand of football but, LSU still struggles on defense. The thing that kills the Tigers the most have been the big plays as LSU is seemingly giving up chunk play after chunk play.

Early in the first quarter, the ABC Broadcast put a graphic on the screen that showed just how bad this defense has been at giving up big plays.

Given the fact that LSU has given up a ton of 20+ yard plays in today's game, we'll likely see the Tigers rank 16th across the board next weekend.

The concerns at this point with the defense are under stated given who this team has played thus far. USC has a solid offense but, LSU also played Nicholls State and South Carolina for a half with their backup quarterback. The Tigers have South Alabama next weekend who has scored 135 points between their last two games before a bye week and Ole Miss.

It all starts with better execution from this defense

A ton of LSU's issues haven't come from being out played but, from a lack of execution on plays. The Tigers have given up big chunk plays on blown coverage and due to missed tackles which is a carryover issue from 2023. This team has a solid offense and playoff aspirations but, if they can't limit the big play it'll be another season where LSU is playing in a meaningless bowl game.

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