LSU's Defense Has Les Miles Eyeing Another Big Season After Week 1

The LSU defense exhibited "the Want" on Saturday night in the valley that Jerry built in front of a sold out crowd and the eyes of the nation watching. The vaunted "Quack Attack" from Oregon was beaten and bruised for four quarters by the likes of Sam Montgomery, Kendrick Adams, and Keke Mingo. In fact, it was Mingo who made the one play that is the absolute definition of why the SEC is still king. 

Heisman hopeful and scatback sensation LaMichael James took the handoff from Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas and what proceeded after could only resemble a moment from National Geographic. Like a tiger attacking a gazelle, Mingo used his speed and 6'5", 240 lb. frame to grab James from behind for a tackle for loss. In the process, Mingo stepped on James' ankle, rendering him a shell of his highlight-making self.

Oregon coach Chip Kelly looked in amazement as LSU's defense was as fast and entirely more physical than the Ducks offense. After the game, Kelly could only state the truth in the difference between the current state of the SEC and the Pac-12. "They've got a little bit different athlete running around out there right now," he said. "Standing next to them on the field, they don't look like a lot of the guys we see."

The truth is, that despite the loss of the likes of Patrick Peterson, Kelvin Sheppard and Drake Nevis, this LSU defense has the potential to be Les Miles' best in his seven year tenure. The defensive line is loaded with vaunted SEC speed.  The linebackers, in classic John Chavis fashion, fly to the ball and the secondary is deep and filled with playmakers. 

This defense alone has the ability to make fans begin to wonder if a return trip to New Orleans in January could be in the cards.

Truthfully, it is entirely possible, but it is a long season and the Tigers still have to run the SEC gauntlet—not to mention compete in the SEC West, which could effectively be renamed "Murderers' Row."

Yet, the expectations naturally rise with a dismantling of the nature witnessed Saturday night, especially when your conference has won the past five national championships and your grass-eating, YouTube sensation of a head coach is nicknamed "The Mad Hatter."

THEY Have Arrived

The running back tandem of Spencer Ware and Michael Ford effectively rushed for 99 and 96 yards, respectively. If this dynamic duo can continue with a similar fate, the LSU offense, although boring by today's standards, could become something Tiger fans have been begging for: effective.

Primetime

As if it needs to be said, LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu is officially the next defensive superstar. Mathieu just has "it." With his 10 tackles, and a forced fumble and he recovered for a touchdown, he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Les Miles Blunder of the Week

The Mad Hatter's misspelling of geaux. G-U-A-U-X is not the same, coach, but it's Miles—what do you expect? You have to love the guy.