The million-dollar question prior to the LSU-USC opener is how improved is LSU’s defense?
Based on what the media saw during preseason camp, first year defensive coordinator Blake Baker certainly brought energy to a group that was embarrassed last year, allowing an SEC worst 28 points a game.
“Coach Baker said before fall camp he wanted guys to play with effort, play with enthusiasm, we can clean things up if you play with effort, so I think everyone just decided to go out there and play for him.” LSU linebacker Greg Penn said.
Tigers Coach Brian Kelly has said that the players on defense like this coaching staff. They seem to be taking Baker’s aggressive style of play calling and his desire to create havoc, which means creating negative plays for the opposing offense.
Penn said the system allows them to think less, which allows them to react quicker.
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“Just trusting what I see, not thinking as a much, even if I’m wrong, I ‘m just doing it fast, if I’m wrong I can still react and go back to doing it right, just trusting what you see, reacting playing with instincts, I think the whole defense is doing that more than what we did last year.” Penn said.
LSU’s defense faces a difficult task on Sunday night. They will face a first year starting quarterback in Miller Moss, but they will go up against one of the best play callers in college football in Lincoln Riley.
“Really good play caller, someone that is going to keep off balance, reverses, trick plays, he’s going to be non-traditional.” coach Brain Kelly said.
LSU would benefit if they didn’t have such a difficult opponent, considering the questions they have on defense.
But at least we’ll get some answers to the biggest question of the offseason. Can the defense be just okay?