Defense Expectations

A mix of 4 and 5, can’t expect the defense to be world beaters with the terrible state it was in this year but it would be reasonable to expect better adjustments and overall improvement all across the board.

Middle of the pack would’ve meant probably 11-1 or 10-2 at worst this year. If the offense can produce anything close to this year I think somewhere in the middle would be good. Once the roster is set I think you’ll get an idea of where the defense will end up. Gotta get some bigs playing well and some competent DB’s.

An average defense puts LSU in the running for the SECCG and the expanded CFP. Nuss to Hilton and Lacy (and a third guy who may emerge) with Jackson and Holly at RB will be potent. They won't be the #1 offense in the country again, but they will be very good.

quote:

---

This. The defense doesn't have to be on the 2003 or 2011 LSU defense level. It just has to be disciplined and able to adjust to what the opposing team is doing

---

Hell, just don’t miss so many tackles and the defense ranking goes up 20 spots even if nothing else changes.

quote:

---

Still don’t think the personnel is there for a top 15 defense.

---

Not even close. We could have both Saban and Kirby come be Co-DCs and they couldn't turn the guys we played with this year into a top 15 defense. And now Wingo and Jefferson won't be back.

quote:

---

With good coaching at top 30-50 defense is doable.

---

Maybe. But we can be a good defense and it not be reflected in rankings like it used to, because the Big 10's terrible offenses skew them so bad. Seems like half of the top 20 ranked defenses this year were from the Big 10. And, while some were good, they weren't as good as their rankings because they played 8-9 games against really bad offenses. Even Michigan, who's got a pretty good offense, played a conservative style that didn't lend itself to racking up a bunch of yards. Because they didn't have to.

I just don't think total defensive rankings is a great way to judge a defense because of the different schedules teams play. Points per game, 3rd down %, yards per play, SEC rankings--those are better indicators, I think. And we'll be able to tell with our eyes.

But back to personnel. We need to add another portal guy or 2 at DT and/or CB, we need the young guys that played like Toviano, Wommack, Jaxon Howard, Stamps, Weeks, Hughes, etc..to take big steps up before September, and we need some of the incoming freshmen to be ready to contribute early, at the very least for depth. We'll definitely be better on defense next year--how could we be worse? But I think '25 is the year we're ready to seriously contend for a NC. I think we could possibly sneak into the 12-team playoffs next year, but '25 sets up for us being really, really good.

quote:

---

what is the expectation for next year’s defense?

---

6. Hustle and simple improvement....sound fundamentals like good tackling and good angles.

All the above

Next year at least 4 and 5.

A secondary that looks back for the ball in coverage. Its been non-existent the last few years.

#4 is the expectation and, frankly, would be significant progress.

Worth pointing out that with great coaching and 1 really good DB and 1 really good S we could be at #3 quickly.

The DL this year did not lack for talent (it did for coaching/technique for 1/2 the year). Good DBs make for good DLs. If we could have just shut down some TEs and flats (the safety) instead of it ALWAYS being open and limited their best WR (the DB) it would have looked like a #3, possibly #2, on your list.

How DBU has fallen so far is amazing to me. I keep asking "are we UF". But first Burrow and then CBK saved us from that demise. Just have to take it the rest of the way. And that will take some very good, if not great, coaching and some studs on the back end. Then it can all work together in a functional way, not this LA School for the Retarded (Monroe) cluster running around aimlessly watching other people struggle to make a tackle bullshite we had this year.