LSU’s big money addition at defensive coordinator is already providing a significant return on investment for Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
One year after LSU gave up 30 points or more against eight of its 10 Power Five opponents under Matt House and the previous defensive staff, this Blake Baker-led unit has limited the team’s last four opponents to an average of 15 points in regulation and has LSU ranked 29th nationally in the EPA advanced metric that factors in criteria such as down-and-distance, field position and time remaining in the game.
It’s defensive turnaround that’s played a large role in the Tigers being ranked No. 8 and owning a 6-1 record heading into a top-15 showdown Saturday against No. 14 Texas A&M.
“Talent-wise, I’m not sure they’re anything special, but they’re really maximizing the talent they have,” an opposing team staffer told 247Sports. “They play really hard and that probably has a lot to do with Baker, and they’re playing with way better fundamentals and technique from my standpoint.”
