Defense
Defensive Line
Now that the rotation has grown to five, this line can go better and harder than any line Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda has had. Receiving great play from stalwarts like Rashard Lawrence, Glen Logan, and Breiden Fehoko was paramount to this LSU football team’s chances of winning.
Lawrence showed off uncanny gap shooting ability by storming into the backfield on many occasions. Logan and Fehoko consistently ate up lineman and didn’t give up much in the run game. In the passing game, there needs to be more pressure coming from the defensive line. Winning one-on-one battles will be necessary for success later in the year.
Getting off of blocks is one area this defensive line has improved on, but they must become better finishers. Lawrence had multiple opportunities to tackle ball carriers in the backfield, but couldn’t finish the job. However, the massive penetration by this defensive line allowed the second and third level defenders to showcase their speed and control the vaunted Auburn offense.
Inside Linebackers
While there have been worse games played by LSU’s linebackers, this game showcased some of the strengths and weaknesses of this unit.
Devin White had his best game on the year and showcased what has given him first round consideration. When coming downhill and diagnosing quick running plays, there is no one better in the country than Devin White. The closing speed and hard-hitting ability of White were on display with his eight tackles on the night. White even forced two costly holding penalties that resulted in punts.
Jacob Phillips also had a good game diagnosing running plays, attacking gaps, and finishing plays. However, where he and Devin White must improve is their discipline. White and Phillips have a knack for being aggressive, but their gap discipline and running back coverage have to improve.
Teams down the road will use this to their disadvantage if they don’t clean this area up. Whether it was hitting the wrong hole in the run game, not following backs running to the flats, or leaving a back wide open on a wheel route, the linebackers for the LSU football must improve if they wish to knock off top-tier offenses.
Outside Linebackers
LSU received excellent play from Michael Divinity, as he had his best game on the year. Making six tackles and one and a half tackles for loss, Divinity showed why he’s an every down starter for this defense. Andre Anthony didn’t do much as an edge rusher, but did flash a beautiful outside rush where he cornered the left tackle and came up with his sack.
Overall, the linebackers for LSU played well enough to limit Auburn’s attack, but Dave Aranda will have to scheme up looks to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. No one on this team can consistently win one-on-one battles, and this will something to watch throughout the season.
Defensive Backs
On Saturday, Grant Delpit proved that he is the best player on this LSU football team. Offensively or defensively, no one plays with the passion, talent, speed, and tenacity of that young man. Leading the Tigers in tackles, coming up with a big first quarter interception, and consistently blowing up Auburn skill players, Delpit proved that he is the most valuable piece to this defense.
Totaling four pass deflections and two interceptions, LSU proved to the country exactly who Defensive Back U is. Greedy Williams made many excellent plays on the ball, and even came up with the easiest interception of his life. Kristian Fulton also played a quality game on the perimeter before exiting the game with an injury. The same goes for Kary Vincent Jr., who looks very comfortable in the nickel role.
Unfortunately for LSU, John Battle was playing a good game up until he got ejected on a bogus targeting call. He will miss the first half of the Louisiana Tech game this coming Saturday.