5 Ways The LSU Tigers Are A Changed Team
By Scotty Nola
Disappointing Results in Two Traditional Areas of Strength
Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety John Battle (26) and defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) break up a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway (81) during the fourth quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Florida 35-28.Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
LSU fans may not have known quite what to expect from this years team going into the season but most of them would have felt they could count on two things: a solid defense led by an incredibly talented secondary and solid special teams play.
The secondary has been good for so long the DBU name is a proven fact in both college and the NFL. Les Miles whatever his faults has always fielded top flight special teams units. The defensive backs and special teamers have often been the two most productive units on the field.
It is with some dismay then that Tigers fans looking back over the first seven games are faced with memories of bad special teams play and miscues within the secondary that have led to a surprising number of scoring opportunities for the opposition.
There is room for hope here. Both the secondary and special teams units are stocked with exceptional athletes. They have the ability to play well if they can eliminate miscues.
The special team units have been shaking things up a bit, replacing complacent starters with hungry backups and they are showing some improvement.
The secondary was rocked by an injury to Jalen Mills and his return is a tremendous help. Mills is a gifted athlete and playmaker, but just as important he is the leader of the secondary and he can correct the poor communication that has left wide receivers running wide open at times.
With the passing game coming on strong special teams play and mistakes in the secondary are really the only weaknesses the Tigers have.
Fixing these very correctable errors could be the final step towards making a playoff run and dare we say — a 4th National Championship…………………….
Next: Early Look at the 2016 College Football Playoff Race: Where Does LSU Stand?