The main question heading into the 2024 season is how much improved is the LSU Tigers defense over last year’s historically bad defense? We will not start to get answers until the season begins September 1st against USC, but Coach Brian Kelly really liked what he saw during preseason camp.
Kelly said the five new defensive coaches he brought in during the offseason have set the tone, led by defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
“I think we start with the core of having a defense that’s excited about playing for their coach, I think we have a defense that can play three down, four down, can mix things up in the back end of the defense, and then get really creative on third down situations,” Kelly said.
Kelly has acknowledged they will not be able to rush the passer on a consistent basis with their front four, but Baker has shown during preseason camp, he’s not afraid to send linebackers and defensive backs on blitzes.
But how will the defensive secondary hold up? Kelly said it is an improved group.
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“We are not having blown coverages, there is certainly a much more consistent approach to what we are doing on the back end of our defense, part of that is there is more maturity back there, some more veteran play,” Kelly said.
Preseason All-American linebacker Harold Perkins will also be a key this season. Kelly said Perkins is having a great camp and he’s doing what great players do.
“The best thing I can say about a player, regardless of position in which they play, is that he’s elevated the players around him, I could not say about Harold his first two years, he did not elevate the players around him, his play was elevated, at times it was outstanding, he is now entering into that category of elevating the players around him,” Kelly said.
Kelly was surprised after last year’s regular season opener when the Tigers allowed 494 yards in a 45-24 loss to Florida State. Based on his assessment of the defense on Wednesday, Kelly would be absolutely floored if the USC Trojans torch them in Las Vegas.