55 points allowed, 706 total yards given up and 34 missed tackles. That’s what happened on September 30, 2023, in a loss to Ole Miss in Oxford. It’s what sparked a complete overhaul of the defensive coaching staff at the conclusion of the season.
Fast forward a year later and it was the defense leading the way in a come from behind 29-26 overtime win over the Rebels.
LSU allowed 464 total yards, but they sacked quarterback Jaxson Dart a career-high six times. They also kept Ole Miss out of the end zone, as the Rebels were 3-for-6 in Red Zone chances.
LSU’s defense kept the Tigers in the game until the offense finally mounted a drive in the final minutes to tie the game.
“Can’t say enough about the defensive effort tonight, sacks, harassing the quarterback, making the big plays when they needed to and that’s what we’ve been talking about in terms of getting better each and every week on both sides of the ball that’s what was complimentary football,” said Kelly.
There was also great individuals performances. Cornerback Zy Alexander received a game ball. The senior from Loureauville won the matchups against the receivers he was covering. Alexander had an interception, a pass break up and five solo tackles.
Linebacker Whit Weeks had a career-high 18 tackles and two tackles for a loss, plus a forced fumble.
Kelly said getting 18 tackles in a game is virtually impossible. BK said Weeks was all over the field, playing with great energy and fire.
Fellow linebacker Greg Penn III had nine tackles. Kelly called Penn the glue guy of the LSU defense.
It was also another great game from defensive end Bradyn Swinson, who looks like a future first round pick. Swinson had 8 tackles, two sacks and two passes broken up.
Swinson has seven sacks on the season, tied for fifth most in the college football.
It was another slow start for the LSU offense. The Tigers fell behind 10-0, but Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier finished strong, leading the Tigers on a game tying drive in the final minutes and throwing a perfect back shoulder throw to Kyren Lacy for the game-winning score in overtime.
Nussmeier, who completed less than 50-percent of his passes, called it the worst game of his career. But Kelly said Nussmeier had his biggest growth moment of his career.
“I thought he grew more today than any time that he’s been here.” Kelly said.
Kelly liked the patience and mobility Nussmeier showed, especially late in the game.
Nuss had to perform, because the running game was non-existent, but he was not sacked, which is impressive considering Ole Miss came into the game leader in the nation with 24 sacks.
The Tigers are now 5-1 overall, 2-0 in the SEC and if four teams from the Southeastern Conference make it into 12-team playoff, LSU would have to be in that number.
There’s still a lot of work to do, starting with a two-game road trip against Arkansas and Texas A&M.
But you can no longer say that LSU’s defense will hold them back.
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