LSU heads into the regular season finale ranked 98th in pass defense. The days of “DBU” seem like a long time ago as the Tigers struggled all season. Allowing teams to move up and down the field against them.
It was known going into the season that LSU’s offense was the strength, and the defense had its question marks, but had enough talent for LSU to contend for the college football playoffs.
But what seemed like a good plan on paper crumbled quickly.
The LSU defensive line never lived up to its potential. It took time to figure out how to use linebacker Harold Perkins. Oregon State linebacker Omar Speights has not looked like the all-conference player he was in the Pac-12.
The defensive secondary was hit with injuries, illness, and suspensions. The downward spiral began in preseason camp when JK Johnson went down with a season ending leg injury.
The glue of the secondary, Greg Brooks Jr, had surgery in September to remove a cancerous tumor.
Texas A&M transfer Denver Harris and Syracuse transfer Duce Chestnut got into Brian Kelly’s doghouse in September and have not been seen since.
LSU had to turn to young players and had to move others around in the defensive backfield. Sage Ryan went from safety to cornerback. Freshman Javian Toviano also played both safety and corner.
True freshman Ashton Stamps got the start last week against Georgia State. The Panthers went after Stamps right away. The former Rummel Raider gave up a 31-yard pass play and was also called for pass interference on the first drive.
But he settled down and after a rocky start Stamps finished with eight tackles and a pass break up.
Stamps, who has appeared in nine games this season, believes there’s been improvement by the secondary.
“Corners wise we definitely improved, just like the little things, just turning around looking for the ball, being in position, and just mentally getting there, cause we’re young, so we’re learning and developing, and we definitely got better,” said Stamps.
Toviano said they can’t help but get better when they get to face two of the best receivers in the country in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr, plus Kyren Lacy.
“Firm believer that iron sharpens iron, those are the best receivers you are going to see all year, it’s a great opportunity to go out and practice against them every week, I definitely feel myself improving it,” said Toviano.
Toviano and Stamps also say they’ve learned by watching how Heisman candidate Jayden Daniels conducts himself every day. They see the work he puts in, the leadership he provides and the joy he brings to the football field.
The Tigers are hoping the growing pains experienced this year will help LSU get back to those “DBU” days.
