LSU Defense Provides Notre Dame Offense With Tough Test
By Nick Wilder
@NickCWilder
Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
The LSU Tigers have consistently been one of the top teams in the country for the past several years, and this season is no different. Under Les Miles, one of the best coaches in the nation, the No. 23 Tigers are once again formidable in many aspects of the game, specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
LSU’s defense has been a nightmare for opposing offenses to move the ball against this season. The team is ranked third in the nation in points allowed per game (16.4), eighth in yards allowed per game (305.8) and 15th in third-down conversion percentage defense (33 percent), according to NCAA.com/stats.
It will be difficult for Notre Dame’s offense to consistently move the chains, but the team should look to their ground game first and foremost in this matchup, due to LSU’s dominance defending the pass this season. They rank fourth in passing yards allowed per game (162.3) and are tied for fourth in total passing touchdowns allowed (nine).
In comparison, Miles’ team has been far less stingy against the run. They rank 39th in rushing yards allowed per game (143.5) and are tied for 76th in total rushing touchdowns allowed (23) this season. Those numbers aren’t terrible, but it’s clear that running the ball against this defense is the best way to go about attacking it.
Also, given Notre Dame’s struggles at the quarterback position during the second-half of the season, utilizing running back Tarean Folston in this matchup should be the offense’s focal point. The sophomore has been the team’s top ball carrier this year, and has shown that he has the talent to make a major impact on this game.
The defense for the Tigers will arguably be the best group Notre Dame has faced this year. The Fighting Irish must be up for the challenge from the start of this game on Tuesday afternoon and can’t fall behind early, which they’ve done throughout the 2014 season.
Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google.
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