LSU defense in SEC play after 2011

Obviously, we all know that LSU's success over the Miles era has mostly been built upon a smothering defense. 2011 as we know, was considered one of the best college defenses to have played the game. We can all agree that since that pinnacle, the LSU defense has gone through a noticeable decline. So I took a look at how the defense has performed in conference post-2011 and its pretty concerning.

Overall 18 SEC games:
Record: 11-7 (7-2 home/4-5 road)
388 yards per game (229 pass/159 rush) 24 ppg
HOME: 362 yards per game (220 pass/142 rush) 21ppg
ROAD: 413 yards per game (238 pass/175 rush) 26ppg

Remember though that the 2012 defense had played pretty well right up until the last drive of the Alabama game. After that it seemed like they fell apart and never recovered the confidence they had been playing with. So I took a look at the numbers in all SEC games after 2012 Alabama. Warning: NSFW!

13 games
Record: 8-5 (6-1 home/2-4 road)
431 yards per game (258 pass/174 rush) 26 ppg
HOME: 389 ypg (235 pass/154 rush) 21ppg
ROAD: 481 ypg (284 pass/197 rush) 32ppg


With a coach who game plans to pound the ball and rely on defense to keep it close, obviously LSU has got a major problem. Giving up over 400 yards per game (and near 500 recently) in conference isn't going to win many ball games. LSU won't get into many offensive shootouts so its important for the young guys on defense to grow up quick.