When former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis left for Texas A&M this past offseason, No. 9 LSU knew it had big shoes to fill. While Kevin Steele's defense hasn't been horrible, the Tigers' (7-2, 4-2 SEC) new defensive coordinator hasn't quite lived up to Chavis' standard of excellence in his first year, according to The Advocate's Ross Dellenger.
LSU's defense is ranked No. 29 in total defense nationally, allowing 342.8 yards per game, which isn't better than Chavis' worst season as the Tigers' defensive coordinator, Dellenger writes:
LSU's defense hasn't been terrible this season, but it's headed for its worst year, stat wise, since before John Chavis took over as coordinator in 2009.
LSU's defense is currently ranked 29th nationally giving up 342.8 yards a game.
LSU's rank nationally in total defense under Chavis (yards per gm):
2009: 26th (327.6)
2010: 12th (307.2)
2011: 2nd (261.5)
2012: 8th (307.6)
2013: 15th (340.7)
2014: 9th (316.8)
Steele's job won't get any easier this week when LSU plays Ole Miss on the road. The game will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday on CBS.
