re: Pete Thamel on Jim Rome today

LSU's DL isn't comprable to OSU and they are just "ok", even compared to past LSU DL's. They stuff the run pretty well, but rarely generate a pass rush man on man. The good news though is that the light for Chassion may finally be coming on as he has been better as a pass rusher late in the season and was EVERYWHERE vs. OU.

This defense is better than "ok", but not one of LSU's best units over the last 10 years. Lack of a pass rush in base personnel; ILB's are inconsistent; Guys like Stevens and Vincent can be liability in man to man situations. That said, I think there is certainly enough talent to match Clemson's defense and Aranda didn't simply forget how to coach this season.

I think just like Bama, Clemson is going to make some plays because they have a great QB, great WR's (less quick but more physical than Bama's) and a good RB. But I don't think Clemson is going to be able to do whatever they want vs. LSU's D all game long. I don't care what the rankings say, this defense still has too much individual talent to get completely wiped out.

The one concern is that unlike Bama's WR's, who are largely on the smaller side, but more explosive in space, Clemson's WR's are big. That can mitigate some of LSU's advantage at DB and you are going to see both QB's throw several 50/50 balls believing their guy has the advantage.