Let’s compare
Now that we’ve gathered the numbers, it’s time to see just how these three teams stack up. Remember, we’re solely comparing the teams from 2010 and on.
GAMECOCKS’ OVERVIEW
Carolina definitely leads in terms of NFL longevity, and are even tied with LSU when it comes to average touchdowns allowed per game. But overall, they simply lack in every other department when compared to the other two programs.
If the argument was based on the early 2010’s alone, it’s likely that it would be just a bit closer. Unfortunately, there’s been a significant drop off in recent years-just enough to come up mightily short.
Instead of leading Carolina on, I’ll rip the band aid off quick.
Don’t be discouraged Gamecocks’ fans, you’re still my third-best option in SEC football.
TIGERS’ OVERVIEW
Let’s be straightforward here. There’s not many teams who can keep up with LSU’s secondary from a personnel standpoint- not even Florida. They have managed to monopolize the best of the best from 2010 and on.
And unlike a lot of other teams, the defensive back position hasn’t been on the list of worries for LSU for quite sometime now. There’s an ever revolving door that continues to introduce game changers to the Tiger fanbase.
Speaking of game changers. If we’re being honest, the Gators have never had a corner or safety that could impact a game like Tyrann Mathieu did.
Even though he’s only one piece from a gigantic puzzle, I will never forget watching “The Honey Badger” rip the football out of a ballcarrier’s hands and return it for a touchdown.
A human shouldn’t be able to do what he did. It’s truly unfathomable.
And LSU is lucky enough to claim him.
GATORS’ OVERVIEW
Although Florida hasn’t obtained the freak athletes that LSU has been able to acquire throughout the years, the Gators still pack a punch in the secondary.
As a whole, Florida one ups the Tigers in almost every statistical category within the past decade, and beyond.
Florida tops LSU by 9 interceptions, ranks 3 teams higher in overall defense, edges the Tigers out by 7 yards in total yards given up, and thumps them in average TDs allowed per game.
And realistically, the Gators have relied on their secondary triumphs in different ways.
Remember when Florida lost to Missouri in an ugly 42-13 game in 2014? Well, all 42 points came from defensive and special teams scores by the Tigers. It’s almost surreal to think that Florida only allowed 3 passes past the line of scrimmage in that game.
If that’s not a true testament to great defensive back play, I don’t know what is.