re: Better LSU team defense

Just think if the 2011 defense had a line backing corps worth a shite. Ryan Baker was OK, not elite. Kevin Minter was unnoticed until the next year. Stefon Francois converted from safety, shouldn't have needed to do that, but neither Lamin Barrow and Tahj Jones would step up enough to keep Francois off the field.

I'll take the completeness of the 2003 defense. People forget, or just don't talk much about the linebackers that year.

Cameron Vaughn was a beast as a true sophomore. Made big plays all season.
Lionel Turner had a great Junior season. Disappeared his senior year.
Eric Alexander was the most underrated player on that defense.
Adrian Mays (one of my favorite players that year) was converted from strong safety, added muscle weight but kept his speed. That was a kid that listened to Saban. I recall a play he made against UGA in the SECCG: UGA tried a trick play in the red zone, a toss back, thrown to the opposite side of the field. After that play I remember thinking that play would've worked against LSU every year. But Adrian Mays stayed with his man, didn't bite on the fake, and defended it perfectly. It summed up that whole entire defense. The 4th string LB comes in and the defense doesn't miss a beat. Knew his assignment and executed perfectly.