"Lack of dominant defense" is an understatement. Other than their performance against us (sob), their defense has been bottom 30-40% or so. Tua and his WRs absolutely torched them like 12 days after ankle surgery.
I don't think LSU is best team in the nation, and I don't think they even have a particularly strong case for that when you consider the total stats (even if they have the most impressive resume so far). Outstanding offense + below-average/**** defense < good offense + great defense; that's been shown time and time again.
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LSU D struggled due to injuries to DL and DBs, and clearly the whole never came up to the sum of its extremely talented parts.
DL got better over the season and returned.
In the 2 games before LSU-****, LSU played OM and Ark, scoring at will and blowing them out. LSU gave up many yds and pts to OM, then did better vs Ark because DBs were resting/healing while young'uns played, got beat and learned.
Oeaux timed it just right, he took advantage of the schedule break. The vet stars returned healthy and the rookies were ready in time for **** who got our best shot.
The pieces are all there now, the rookies are experienced and playing great, and the LSU D is quite formidable.
The LSU D will be even better vs UGA and will continue to improve into the Playoffs.
psybj