(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
FROM 2008 to 2009 - FROM BAD VIBES TO GOOD VIBES AT SEASONS START
Oh, how the Tigers 2008 season was difficult for the LSU Tiger fanbase down on the Bayous. Heading into the 2008 season, many a Tiger fans had ample reason to scratch their head and have anxiety.
On offense, despite a loaded roster in 10 of 11 offensive positions, expected 5-star QB Ryan Perriloux was finally dismissed from the team, leaving the Tigers with 3 practically untested QB's on the offensive side of the ball. This was problematic for the 2008 season. Only at the end of the season, and a few moments along the 2008 trek, did LSU fans get to see the LSU offense live up to their huge potential.
On defense, this LSU fan, and most, were scratching their heads so hard they physically lost hair. After losing Muschamp a few years back after the 2004 season, and then Pelini as ace Defensive Coordinator after the 2007 season, and possessing 2 out of the last 5 BCS National Championship Trophies -predominantly due to the fierce LSU brand of defense - Coach Miles decided to conduct an experiment. He decided to give 2 assistant coaches (and not so good ones at that) the helm as Co-Defensive Coordinators. These two gentlemen proceeded to take an incredibly talented defensive roster and relegate them to a confused, undisciplined and tremendously under-performing defensive unit.
LSU giving up 50+ points to SEC rivals? WHAT?
Fast forward to Spring 2009........
RESTORING THE LSU DEFENSIVE BRAND
For every bit of rightful anxiety everyone had going into the 2008 season, the exact opposite vibes are warranted coming into 2009.
Miles lured "Chief" John Chavis, an SEC veteran Defensive Coordinator who is known for discipline and getting his players to give him their best. He is also to be credited for nurturing a ton of LB's into the NFL.
Add to this his formidible defensive credentials at Tennessee in the SEC, in fact for the last dozen or so years, and the fact that Chief has faced LSU yearly-foes Alabama and Florida each and every year, and that adds to the relevance of his ability to lead LSU to the best preparation for those key games - and the season overall.
Add to Chief, Coach Cooper (from South Carolina) to coach the incredibly deep and talented LSU defensive backfield. Oh, and by the way, what Chavis has been to putting LB's into the NFL, Cooper has been in his college career for DB's. And LSU has arguably the best group of DB's, talent and depth-wise, in the history of those practicing on the Ponderosa, and playing in Tiger Stadium.
What if you could also boast the luring of Chicago Bears Defensive Line coach to help re-instate what LSU fans have come to call "D-Line-U"? I'll take that.
Finally, throw in a tremedously fast and talented defensive roster (FAR more than he has had to work with at Tennessee in the last few years), and Chief and his staff are sitting in a great position to make everyone completely forget the 2008 defensive debacle.
The LSU Brand of fierce, fast and blitzing defense will be much more akin to the staunch 2003 and 2007 defensive units than last years travesty. Take that to the bank.
Indeed, any media person making any reference whatsoever to the 2008 debacle is absolutely clueless - or are just trying to be provacative to get ratings, or to make a story.
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