LSU was ranked 86th in points allowed last season, giving up 30 points a game. This year LSU is allowing 21 points a game and ranked 35th in the country. First-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker is getting a lot of credit and Coach Brian Kelly says Baker has taken the time to develop personal relationships with the players.
“He’s around the building all the time, during the summer he’s around here, he takes the time to be around the players and that is the only way you can build relationships, you can’t just show up here on Saturday and say I’d like you to do things for me,” Kelly said.
There certainly was a disconnect between the players and last year’s defensive coordinator Matt House. And Kelly has not been afraid to point that out every chance he gets when asked about what Baker has done differently.
Baker has also benefited from better personnel.
LSU’s defensive ends, Bradyn Swinson and Sai’von Jones have come into their own this year.
The Tigers are also getting All-American linebacker play from Whit Weeks.
Cornerback Zy Alexander has become a stellar SEC cornerback after transferring in from Southeastern Louisiana. The other corner, Ashton Stamps, is no longer a freshman and he’s having a steady sophomore campaign.
Former five-star prospect Sage Ryan is finally playing his natural position at safety and Major Burns is finally playing a role on the defense where he can excel, a hybrid linebacker-safety position.
Two Tigers earn SEC Player of the Week honors
LSU junior tackle Emery Jones earned SEC Offensive lineman of the Week honors this week as he helped the Tigers score on seven of their eight possessions. The Tigers had 158 yards on the ground and for the sixth time this year the offensive line didn’t allow a sack.
What’s interesting about Jones’ honor is that he had the second lowest grade out of all Tigers, according to Pro Football Focus.
LSU kicker Damian Ramos was named SEC Special Teams Performer of the Week. Ramos connected on two field goals, including a 48-yarder that tied his career high. He made two field goals from beyond 40 yards.
Ramos has become LSU’s most underrated player and he’s having his best season connecting on 12 of his 14 field goal tries. He has not missed an extra point since 2022.
His career field goal percentage is approaching 80% as it stands at 79%.
