When opposing teams score touchdowns, LSU’s defense takes it personal.
Lost amid Leonard Fournette’s nationally-noteworthy performance last week against Auburn was quarterback Jeremy Johnson’s ability to manufacture three point-producing drives in the second half of a lopsided blowout.
LSU’s defense, which hasn’t given up a first-half touchdown all season, bent after intermission and allowed the Tigers to gain 190 yards including 65 on Johnson’s first carry of the third quarter.
“We’ll see what the problem is and I guarantee we’ll get it fixed,” LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White said, according to ESPN.
Many thought LSU may take a step back defensively without coordinator John Chavis who bolted for Texas A&M, but the Tigers have shown increased strength in the early going with back-to-back wins over ranked teams.
Defensive end Tashawn Bower attributes Auburn’s 21 points in the second half to his team falling victim to complacency with a sizable lead.
“I feel like sometimes a player might see the score go up and they might kind of lose focus on their job a little bit. And then you know that happens,” Bower said, according to ESPN. “It happens not just to us, a lot of people, a lot of teams.”
No. 8 LSU ranks fifth in the SEC in total defense and third in sacks (8.0) despite playing one less game than the rest of the league. The Tigers haven’t finished outside of the league’s Top 3 in total defense since 2009.
The Tigers travels to Syracuse on Saturday to take on the Orange (Noon EST, ESPN).
