The LSU Tigers defense enters Lexington on Saturday facing a tough challenge. As the team prepares to battle with the Kentucky Wildcats, LSU will be without a key player on defense. Derek Stingley Jr. is out indefinitely and has missed the past few games.
LSU Tigers Defense Crucial To A Win Against Kentucky
The Tigers enter this weekend with a 3-2 record. The program is coming off a crushing 24-19 loss to the Auburn Tigers. That win for Auburn was the first in Baton Rouge since 1999. Now, LSU faces a tough three-game slate before the bye week at the end of October. The difficult game slate really began when the Tigers played at Mississippi State. But now the true tests begin.
To contain Kentucky, the LSU Tigers defense is going to have to come up with a scheme to stop both the run and pass. Wildcats quarterback Will Levis passed for just 87 yards last week in UK’s win over Florida. But leave no doubt, Levis can air the ball out. In order for LSU to contain that attack, playing elite coverage in the secondary will be key.
Secondary Issues
Without Stingley, the secondary has taken a hit. However, Dwight McGlothern has filled in well. He hasn’t given up too many big chunk plays and has improved over the past few games. Through five games, the Tigers are allowing 248 passing yards per game. That number has to be limited on Saturday against a sneaky good Kentucky offense. If the defense can pressure receivers at the line of scrimmage, the secondary has the chance to win some of the one-on-one battles.
Aside from McGlothern, the Tigers could see other stars step up this week. Jordan Toles, Cameron Lewis, and Todd Harris will all have the opportunity to play this week. With Major Burns out due to injury, the Tigers are in need of key secondary help. Add the Stingley injury to the mix and the Tigers are starting to look to other players to step up.
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Defensive Line Must Pressure Kentucky
Looking at the defensive line, LSU has to get pressure in the backfield this week. Against Auburn, the Tigers allowed Bo Nix to scramble all over the field and complete passes that should have been sacked in the backfield. Sure, the defensive front has been beaten up this season. But, now is the time to fix the issues upfront and become a centralized and effective unit.
Pressuring Levis and stopping the run will be the key for the defensive line. Kentucky averages just 189 rushing yards per game. LSU has been hurt more in the passing game in 2021, though, and the statistics are there to prove that. However, containing the run could be a key win to get the defense off the field.
Must Win Game for the Tigers
Saturday’s LSU-Kentucky game in Lexington will be a key game for the team. After a 3-2 start, head coach Ed Orgeron is already on thin ice. A loss this weekend could bring about more rumors of a potential coaching change. While Kentucky is a good unbeaten team, this is a must-win game for LSU on Saturday.
