Brian Kelly Discusses Blake Baker’s Impact on LSU Tigers Defense Ahead of Texas A&M Game
The LSU Tigers’ defense has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, largely credited to new defensive coordinator Blake Baker. After overhauling the entire defensive coaching staff during the offseason, head coach Brian Kelly faced uncertainty about the changes. However, as the team prepares for their Week 9 matchup against Texas A&M, the results have proven to be promising.
Previously, LSU’s defense struggled significantly, ranking outside the top 100 nationally in several key defensive metrics, including yards allowed per play and total yards in 2023. Fast forward to now, and LSU has emerged as a competitive unit, ranking in the top half of college football for yards allowed. The pass rush has been particularly effective, standing seventh in the nation for sacks per game. Even with the loss of their standout linebacker Harold Perkins due to injury, the linebacker corps has made substantial improvements.
In a recent interview, Brian Kelly elaborated on Baker’s innovative defensive strategies and his approach to the pass rush. Kelly emphasized the importance of the nuanced pressure schemes that Baker has implemented, which complicate protection assignments for opposing offenses. He noted, “These subtle tweaks to our pressures are things that Blake has effectively carried with him. We aimed to create opportunities to attack their protections while positioning a player to spy the quarterback. Blake had successfully used this strategy in previous situations and felt it would work well against the upcoming opponent.”
Baker’s multifaceted approach to defense has begun to have a significant impact, turning LSU into a game-changing force. A standout example of this strategy was highlighted in the recent game against Arkansas, where linebacker Whit Weeks executed a pivotal play. LSU utilized a six-man pressure while employing a linebacker as a spy in the middle. The quick pressure disrupted Arkansas’s offense, leading Weeks to deflect a pass and secure an interception, which resulted in a quick touchdown for LSU.
The development of linebackers under Baker’s guidance has been particularly noteworthy. Kelly praised the entire linebacker group, noting the strong connections that Baker has fostered with his players through trust and consistent interaction. “Blake invests time with them; he’s around the building frequently and during the summer. Building relationships requires more than just showing up on game day. His commitment to being present has helped establish trust and rapport,” Kelly explained.
This relational aspect of coaching has significantly elevated the performance of players like Whit Weeks and Greg Penn. Both linebackers have made substantial contributions this season, accumulating over 50 tackles combined, alongside 21 pressures and five sacks, while effectively managing the short passing game.
Beyond Baker’s tactical innovations, his focus on relational development stands out as a key factor in the defense’s success. The cohesive communication and teamwork seen on the field can be attributed to the strong relationships he has built with the players. This unity is essential for a defense to thrive and consistently make impactful plays.
As LSU gears up for their matchup against Texas A&M in College Station, the confidence in their defense has notably improved compared to last season. The team’s performance under Blake Baker, particularly with the standout play of the linebackers, has given fans reason to be optimistic.
Overall, Blake Baker’s combination of strategic defensive schemes and a strong focus on player relationships has been instrumental in revitalizing the LSU defense. The upcoming game will be a crucial test, but the unit appears well-prepared to face the challenge head-on.
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