With the bowl game getting closer by the day, it's time to take a look at the opponent.  Today, we're diving into the numbers as we check out the LSU defense.  Click "Read More" to check it out.

Defense

Kelvin Sheppard: Sheppard makes up one half of a pretty fierce linebacking combo for the Tigers.  He led the team with 103 tackles this season, including 8.5 TFL and a sack.  Sheppard also had a pick and a forced fumble this year and is described on the team's website as the emotional leader of the team.  Sounds like this guy could give the Lions a hard time when they're trying to get the ball to the second level in the running game.

Here's Sheppard, wrecking a dude from Tulane.

Harry Coleman: As if Sheppard wasn't enough in the linebacking corps, Harry Coleman is another very talented backer to add to the mix, having been named the MVP of the 2009 LSU squad.  He had significantly fewer tackles than Sheppard (77), but he was a force in the backfield, racking up 9 TFL and 4 sacks on the year.  He also forced three fumbles, which was good for second in school history in a single season.

Drake Nevis: Nevis had an interesting campaign in '09, to say the least.  He didn't start in any game during the season, but he played in all 12 and had the best stats of any LSU D-lineman.  He had 48 tackles total, with 10 TFL and 4 sacks, and one of those sacks resulted in a safety against Alabama.  Add Nevis to defensive end Rahim Alem (8.5 TFL, 4 sacks) and the aforementioned LBs and suddenly we don't feel that great about the Penn State running attack in this game.  If you're not convinced, just look at the guy:

Would you want this dude tackling you?

Chad Jones: The last defensive standout we're going to take a look at is Jones, a junior Safety.  Jones was a second-team All-SEC selection after a nice year in which tallied 66 tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups. In addition to his role as safety, Jones handles punt return duties when LSU is backed up deep in their own territory.  He returned a punt 93 yards for a TD against Mississippi State earlier this year (as shown in the picture below), so he can definitely do some damage when Trindon Holliday isn't out there.  Definitely keep your eye on Jones lurking in the secondary in this game.

Overall: If you have to sum up the LSU defense from taking a look at stats, you'd say "bend but don't break."  The Tigers finished third in scoring defense in the SEC, but they were only sixth in total defense and were a dismal ninth against the pass.  The D seemed particularly vulnerable at the end of the season, as they gave up 95 points over their last four contests.  We can only hope that trend continues in Orlando.

As for the rush D, LSU gave up 134 yards a game, good for fourth in the conference.  Not spectacular, but far from awful.  But the more telling stat is the pass defense.  When we think of LSU, we think of a team with a stingy D overall, but the 2009 squad gave up 192 yards per game through the air.  Part of that is probably due to the fact the Tigers tallied just 20 sacks, which ties them for eighth in the conference.  No pressure on the QB = a lot of pass yards surrendered.  So if Penn State is going to score on this LSU D, they might want to air it out a little.

We'll back back tomorrow with a look at LSU's offense.

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