re: ESPN - Two SEC writers discuss, Who has the best overall talent, Ala or LSU

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The talent has never been the question at LSU when it comes to playing Alabama, it boils down to coaching. Les is too stubborn to beat Saban because he has his mind made up that he is going to run the ball down Alabama's throat and that is never going to happen. LSU or anybody else is not going to run the ball consistently against a Nick Saban defense without mixing in some other offense to open up the run.

LF is the best RB in the country and he had about 32 years against the tide. Les needs sot learn offense.

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In 2012, Alabama led the nation in scoring, rushing, and total defense, coming in 7th in passing D. It's impossible to replicate the numbers they put up in 2011, that was an all-time great defense.

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Something's not adding up here.

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Les is too stubborn to beat Saban because he has his mind made up that he is going to run the ball down Alabama's throat and that is never going to happen.

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Actually it HAS happened, in 2011. But now we find this:

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It's impossible to replicate the numbers they put up in 2011, that was an all-time great defense.

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So the best defense Alabama has ever fielded (arguably) is the only one that LSU has beaten by pretty much just running the ball down the throat of the defense.

Which is it, or what's changed?

People think that Les Miles just wants to run the football because he doesn't know any better. The fact is that he has a plan.

Les Miles want to wear down opposing defenses in the first half so that he can run in the second and control the game. Les wants to pick up first downs in the first half, but he doesn't really have to if he can limit the opponent to 3-and-outs. This is what Saban learned in 2011, so in the re-match he was focused solely on keeping the ball out of LSU's hands by picking up first downs above all else.

The difference between 2015 and 2011 for LSU is defense. LSU has not fielded the kind of defense that will produce 3-and-outs consistently like the 2011 defense. If Aranda can turn this defense around to be top 5 again, Les will be able to utilize his offensive game plan more effectively.

It all starts on the defensive line. I think it's been well documented that LSU's talent on the DL has diminished since 2011. There is more talent this year than recent years, and there is a new coach with a new scheme. Will Aranda's 3-4 produce the stops in the first half that Les' offensive philosophy needs? THAT is the question that has yet to be answered.

Remember, Jordan Jefferson beat Alabama's best defense evah - let that sink in.