The LSU defense is much improved on the line but, secondary still struggles

The LSU Football team is currently in a battle with the UCLA Bruins as the teams are tied at 17 a piece at half time despite LSU entering the game as a massive favorite. This game has been a highlight of LSU's biggest issues defensively even though there are some visible improvements since 2023.

The defensive line has improved a ton and its clear that Kevin Peoples and Bo Davis have done a great job with developing the pieces on the defensive line.

Bradyn Swinson has emerged as an absolute star and currently has two sacks and a forced fumble a week after recording three sacks against South Carolina. Paris Shand and Sai'vion Jones have looked the part as well and the pair have combined for a sack and have provided pressure all day.

Even true freshman Dominick McKinley has emerged getting some playing time and making the most of it recording the first sack of his career.

For all of the improvements this defense has made up front, the defense still remains a massive concern for this team. Ethan Garbers has made a ton of plays today and is currently 14 for 20 passing for 198 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The only time Garbers has looked bad is when LSU's edge rushers have gotten pressure on him.

The Bruins have created explosive plays all day via the passing attack and its seriously hurt this team. UCLA has completed passes for 28 yards, 20 yards, 29 yards, and 32 yards accounting for 109 of Garbers 19 yards passing.

It hasn't been UCLA just picking on one player either as Ashton Stamps, Jyaire Brown, PJ Woodland, Major Burns, and Jardin Gilbert have all given up big plays or touchdowns. This secondary is already banged up as they've lost Zy Alexander to an injury early in this game.

Rotate defensive backs until someone earns the job

As things currently stand, no one in the secondary has earned the honor of being a full-time starter at cornerback or safety. As LSU continues to struggle in the secondary this should be an open competition with every player getting a shot at playing time until someone earns the right to stay in this game. UCLA is dominating this secondary in the passing attack and this team isn't living up to the LSU standard.

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