re: Jenkins Hire a Weak Attempt as “doing something” to Fix D

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Jenkins will make zero difference.

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Maybe not.

But what is the harm in trying? Do you think he's somehow going to make LSU's defense worse?

It will take a LOT more than just the addition of Jenkins to make the defense even workable. But anything is better than the status quo at this point. However, the reality is with LSU's offense and the relative weakness of the SEC this season, even just a few more stops a game could be the difference between a loss and a double digit win. That's how good LSU's offense has been recently.

The big hope is that after 5 games the staff has a firm grasp of their personnel. Who can do what and who can't. That won't lead to a perfect solution. But it could lead to the point of DC just accepting what he has and playing towards those strengths...even if it's not exactly what he wants to do. We've seen it happen in the past.

The 2014 LSU defense did not start the season well...at all. Scored upon at will by Dak and Mississippi St; Crushed by Auburn. As the season went on though you started to see the defense evolve a bit. Held an Ole Miss team that was averaging ~30 ppg to 7; Held Alabama to 13 (in regulation). Perfect? No. But much better than early in the season.

In 2016 Dave Aranda came in and wanted to run a 3-4 defense. After quickly realizing he didn't have the personnel to do so he adjusted and fielded a solid defense the rest of the way.

In 2019 LSU's defense was leaving their great offense in games that probably should not have been close. Hell, LSU was blowing out Alabama in the first half before being completely unable to stop them in the second. Eventually the defense came around and a very good team suddenly because a dominant team.

In 2021 LSU's offense was struggling mightily. They couldn't run the ball at all. After losing to UK they came out the following week and changed their approach. That led to a single game record by TDP, en route to a 1000 yard season.

In that same year LSU's defense was getting worked. 42 points given up to Kentucky and Florida. 31 given up to Ole Miss. Things didn't look good going into Tuscaloosa. They then completely changed their approach and, frankly, dominated a very good Alabama offense for much of the game.

Again, I'm not saying the defense is suddenly going to become great...or even good. But we might be to the point of the season where the staff accepts what they have personnel-wise and tailors the defensive approach to fit it as best they can. That doesn't mean this defense suddenly becomes great. But at this point all you are looking to achieve is average