LSU's Defense Roars: John Chavis' Unit May Be the Best in the SEC

John Chavis has led many top-notch SEC squads, but this may be his best yet.

Never mind the second half of the UNC game, as head coach Les Miles admitted pulling the starters to let the younger players gain experience. This defense is good—very good, in fact.

The insertion of Craig Loston into the starting free safety position and the return of Ryan Baker showed what this defense could be at full force: dominant. The LSU defense terrorized Vanderbilt's Larry Smith with six sacks and a barrage of blitzes and quarterback hurries.

What is most impressive, though, is the Tigers' defensive line, led by defensive tackle Drake Nevis, who recorded 2.5 sacks. Nevis and his fellow linemen were spectacular. Barring one big run, this defense would have pitched a shutout.

Nevis was not the only lineman to feast on the quarterback, as defensive end Barkevious Mingo had a sack and a forced fumble as well. Linebackers Ryan Baker and Kelvin Sheppard added a sack and a sack assist respectively.

Throughout two games in the 2010 season the Tiger defense has registered 10 total sacks for a loss of 93 yards. With true shutdown corners Patrick Peterson and Mo Claiborne manning the islands, expect this front seven to rack up even more.

The sad truth of the matter, though, is they may have to for the Tigers to contend. The LSU offense is as perplexing of an offense as ever seen. Loaded with game-changing wide receivers who are arguably the best set in the SEC, the offense has only managed two passing touchdowns.

While the running game came alive in the second half of the Vanderbilt game, with Stevan Ridley rushing for 159 yards, the offense still seems one-dimensional at best.

What's most concerning about the Tigers' offense is the lack of surprise. Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton seems to run the same game plan week in and week out. Key this fact with the lack of development of quarterback Jordan Jefferson, and we have a recipe for disaster.

In Jefferson's defense, there were several drops last night, but in all he seems hesitant at best.

The calls for backup QB Jarrett Lee will soon come, as even his past of bad decision-making is forgotten with the benefit of the backup QB being the most popular player on the team when the offense isn't working. The truth is, the quarterback for the LSU Tigers may not be on the roster. With the loss of prized recruit Zach Lee, this could continue to haunt the Tigers for years to come.

As far as the lack of development is concerned, one question needs to be raised: Are the Tiger QBs receiving adequate coaching? It is very troubling that in two full seasons since the departure of Matt Flynn, Tiger nation has yet to see even a glimpse of improvement in any of the quarterbacks to step under center.

Thankfully for Tiger nation, John Chavis' defense will keep the games close. For Tiger fans, the games may be ugly and even at times disheartening, but this team will contend. Shamefully, I quote Al Davis when he uttered the truest statement in sports: "Just win baby."