Despite Shutouts, Jury Still out on LSU Tigers Defense

LSU's defense has proven it can dominate inferior opponents. 

The Tigers defeated UL-Monroe 31-0 on Saturday night, earning their second straight shutout. The Warhawks gathered only 93 yards of total offense and six first downs. 

Since trailing Wisconsin 24-7 in the third quarter of the season opener, there has been no better defense statistically in college football than LSU's. Defensive coordinator John Chavis has proven why he is one of the best in the business. 

But let's be real. The Tigers have not played anybody.

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Wisconsin's running game has been the only meaningful opposition the Tigers have faced. The Badgers accumulated an impressive 268 yards on the ground, averaging just under seven yards a carry. Outside of that, the Wisconsin passing attack, Sam Houston State and UL-Monroe equates to cupcake competition.

The SEC is loaded offensively, especially in the West. The Tigers will get their first real test when Mississippi State comes to Baton Rouge next week.

Bulldogs Quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown for nine touchdowns and at least 200 yards in every game. Prescott has also rushed for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

Prescott and running back Josh Robinson are both powerful runners who are averaging more than six yards per carry. The Louisiana natives first real test will be LSU, so expect them, behind a talented offensive line, to run with a vengeance.

LSU's rush defense must be prepared for the challenge. Quentin Thomas, Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux have gotten the majority of the snaps at defensive tackle. They, along with middle linebacker D.J. Welter, will face a barrage of carries up the middle. 

Mississippi State has one of the weaker receiver corps in the SEC. LSU's secondary, which has had a magnificent start to the season, should be up for the task. 

The Tigers will have a raucous Death Valley to their advantage. If they stop Prescott and the creative offensive game plan of head coach Dan Mullen, then the defense can truly be judged.   

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by cfbstats.com and LSU Sports Information. Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter @CarterthePower.