Statistically speaking, last season Dave Aranda fielded a very good defense as the coordinator of LSU’s week one opponents the Wisconsin Badgers. With his defense finishing the year in the top ten in yards and points and all the categories that matter, it is no wonder why Les Miles has been praised so much for getting Aranda to join the Tigers. In preparation for the week one showdown against Aranda’s former employer at historical Lambeau field, I took it upon myself to watch some game tape; Wisconsin versus Alabama from last year specifically.
Just like they will this year, Wisconsin began their season on a neutral field against an SEC foe on a neutral field. Bama beat the Badgers 35-17 in Jerry’s World. 35 points was by far the most points Aranda’s defense gave up last season and it was against the eventual National Champions. Nothing to be ashamed of but if you are a Tiger fan, how does this make you feel?
Dave Aranda is no doubt implementing an exciting new defense that probably will keep LSU on the cutting edge of SEC defenses, but what does it say about Aranda’s defense when just last year Alabama ran all over his Badgers to the tune of 238 yards? Derrick Henry kicked off his Heisman campaign with 147 yards himself, 3 touchdowns, and over 11 yards per carry in that game. Last time Aranda faced a Bama running back and a Bama offensive line, he got bent over Lane Kiffin’s knee. Once again, should this have LSU fans worried?
There is the other side of the coin though. Aranda was using Wisconsin tools and not LSU tools which are traditionally sharper and more polished. Will this be a big enough factor or do Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban not sweat Aranda’s manic defense whatsoever? Obviously, Aranda adjusted after that week one slip up so maybe after getting a taste of the brute force that is an Alabama offense, and he is maybe more thoroughly prepared with better players this season. Is all the hoopla and the solid resume enough to have LSU honks believing in Dave Aranda or does the video below strike fear into their fragile and bullied psyches?