Kiry Smart on LSU defense: I don't understand where all the criticism comes from

bullshite. A few old BCS era computer models say that LSU is deeply flawed and the Buckeyes are the best evar!!!

-Ohio State fans

it comes form not playing a complete game of lock down defense (they have alternated halves most of the year) until arkansas and aTm

It’s many things. Adjusting to quick strike offense, defending huge second half leads, lack of secondary depth and experience, lack of consistent pass rush, etc...

This defense is healthy and it couldn't come at a better time. We've had several guys out or playing at 75-80 with not a lot of plug-and-play depth behind them. Health, along with the effect this complete change in our offensive philosophy(Yes...it affects the D) have been the biggest contributors to our lackluster performance for much of the year IMO.

We just need to beat UGA. Then, we'd have 3 weeks to get healthy for the semis, then another 2 weeks to recover for the Championship. I think our defense would be much better just being healthy.

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hat said, I bet we see a heavy dose of Swift in the wildcat.

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ummm.... Swift is out

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"They gave up points to Ole Miss but Ole Miss was unique and a completely different style than anyone else. They've played very well in big games."

I'll side with Kirby instead of y'all.

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Just playing devil's advocate, but what else is he going to say? "LSU's defense is garbage and Ole Miss exposed them. We're going to put up 500+ yards on them."

That's what a lot of coaches do, they compliment and talk up their opponent.

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It’s many things. Adjusting to quick strike offense, defending huge second half leads, lack of secondary depth and experience, lack of consistent pass rush, etc...

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And throw in injuries.

He's playing the talk them up game to his players.

They've played very well in big games....at best, for a half (excluding A&M if you consider that a "big game")

Texas rang up 38 points and 530 total yards. Ehlinger threw for 401. Texas was 53% on third down and scored on literally every 2nd half possession (3 TD's and 1 FG)

Florida had 457 total yards. Trask, in his third start, threw for 310 and 3 TD's. His one terrible throw came at the end of an 11 play, 74 yard drive. It was maybe the only thing that prevented UF from tying the game.

Bama scored TD's on all but one of their 2nd half possessions, which allowed them the opportunity for an onsides kick to potentially win a game where the LSU offense scored 46 points and racked up 559 total yards

In three games(Texas, Aub, Bama) where LSU's (soon to be) Heisman trophy winning QB threw for a combined 1,185 yards (395 per game avg.), scored 9 TDs to only 3 TO's, the team STILL had to recover onsides kicks in each to preserve wins simply because the defense couldn't make key stops late.

Now, certainly they look like they have responded to being called out as the weak link. And I think all of us would agree there is enough talent on the field that they should be at least a good defense. But to say that have "played very well in big games" is a bit misleading.