Ed Orgeron Says LSU's Defense Was 'Embarrassing' in Loss to Unranked Missouri

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron was unhappy with the way his defense performed in Saturday's 45-41 loss to Missouri. 

Speaking to reporters after the Tigers gave up 586 yards to their SEC rivals, Orgeron said it was "embarrassing" how they played.

"We couldn't stop anybody. Really a poor showing on defense," he said. "We have to coach better, No. 1. It starts with me. Players have to make plays. We couldn't stop the run, receivers wide open down the field. It was embarrassing. We have to get it fixed."

Even with some regression expected after losing stars like Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Grant Delpit, K'Lavon Chaisson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the NFL, it's been a difficult start to the 2020 season for the defending national champions. 

LSU has lost two of its first three games, with both defeats coming at Tiger Stadium. This marks the first time the Tigers have been under .500 after at least two games were played in a season since 1999 when they finished 3-8 in Gerry DiNardo's final year as head coach. 

Pass defense has been a problem for LSU to this point. Mississippi State quarterback K.J. Costello threw for 632 yards and five touchdowns in a 44-34 win on Sept. 26. 

Redshirt freshman Connor Bazelak threw for 406 yards, averaged 11.9 yards per attempt and had four touchdown passes for Missouri on Saturday. He had a total of 286 pass yards, zero touchdowns and one interceptions in two games against Alabama and Tennessee. 

LSU is allowing an average of 32 points through three games. It hasn't allowed more than 22 points per game over a full season since 2008 (24.2).