Greg McElroy considers whether LSU defense can complement offense

Last season, LSU had the Heisman Trophy winner in Jayden Daniels and first-round picks at wide receiver in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. But the Tigers had the same number of wins they had the year before – due in large part to struggles on defense.

LSU allowed 416.6 yards and 28 points per game, ranking 13th in the SEC in both categories. That led Brian Kelly to make a major change by dismissing Matt House and bringing in Blake Baker as defensive coordinator. As a result, there are higher expectations for that unit in 2024.

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy discussed the changes on defense after SEC Media Days and said the Tigers appear ready to take a leap. However, his biggest question was about the depth on that side of the ball once conference play begins.

“It’s 100% true that the only thing that killed them last year was their defense,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “How many teams – it’s almost difficult to do – how many teams can have 600-plus yards of offense and score 49 points, and lose? That’s really hard to do. So I look at what LSU was last year, and there’s really only one direction to go on defense. And that’s up. I love the hire that they made with Blake Baker. I think his hire will better take advantage of the athleticism that this roster has at all three levels defensively. And I think they’ll create some havoc, which will ultimately lead to turnovers, which might allow them more possessions offensively.

“So I think LSU has taken strides on defense. I just wonder if they have the depth necessary to stand the test of time throughout the season because your’e likely gonna get beat up in the conference.”

Harold Perkins is sure to be a focal point of the LSU defense once again after an up-and-down sophomore year. He bulked up this offseason, showing up to SEC Media Days north of 220 pounds. That, according to Kelly, could make him more versatile and maybe give him some looks on the EDGE.

Of course, there’s still the fact that the Tigers are losing key playmakers on offense. McElroy thinks they’ll be fine, though. In fact, he had a big prediction for Garrett Nussmeier as he takes over for Daniels.

“There’s no denying they’re gonna score points,” McElroy said. “I think Garrett Nussmeier, by season’s end, we’re gonna be talking about him as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. I look at the receiver corps. Gone are two first-round picks – everyone knows that that’s really, really tough thing to replace.

“Yeah, but it’s LSU. They’re gonna be just fine at wide receiver. Kyren Lacy and others will step right into those spots. Production likely won’t drop off at those positions.”

LSU will lift the curtain on the 2024 season in a highly anticipated matchup in Las Vegas. The Tigers will take on USC Sept. 31 at Allegiant Stadium in the Vegas Kickoff Classic.