Aggies, here's an olive branch

Let's establish something first, LSU isn't going to fall apart without Chavis. Yes, our defense is the cornerstone of our program and the Chief put together a few great ones during his time here, but he was greatly aided by our running game, particularly in his last two years where his defenses weren't producing as we have been accustomed.

From 2009-12, in situations where LSU's defense attempted to preserve a one-possession lead on the final drive, we were 5-1.

From 2013-14, in situations where LSU's defense attempted to preserve a one-possession lead on the final drive, we were 6-5.

quote:

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LSU Defenses against Power 5 Opponents
Yards/Play (Rank) Points/Play (Rank) 3rd % (Rank)
2009..... 4.6 (17)......... .22 (8)......... 36.7% (36)
2010..... 4.9 (26)......... .29 (19)....... 33.3 (8)
2011..... 4.0 (2)........... .16 (2)......... 36.8 (36)
2012..... 4.3 (7)........... .24 (10)....... 31.5 (9)
2013..... 5.1 (34)......... .32 (34)....... 39.5 (63)
2014..... 4.9 (26)......... .28 (17)....... 37.16 (33)

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It seems like Chief had grown a little complacent and based on the way contract negotiations fell, entitled to be the highest paid DC in the country. But the production of the LSU defense the last two years (relative to our expectations) didn't justify $1.7 million.

quote:

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Aggie Defenses against Power 5 Opponents
Yards/Play (Rank) Points/Play (Rank) 3 % (Rank)
2009..... 5.7 (84).......... .45 (98)....... 37.5 (41)
2010..... 4.7 (16).......... .29 (20)....... 37.2 (33)
2011..... 4.6 (14).......... .34 (48)....... 40.4 (62)
2012..... 5.2 (41).......... .28 (21)....... 32.7 (13)
2013..... 6.2 (103)........ .42 (85)....... 41.3 (77)
2014..... 5.9 (96).......... .38 (69)....... 42.2 (87)

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On the other hand, at a program built on offense, a defensive year like what Chavis produced from 2013-14 at LSU produces a formidable team (2012). Chavis will never put together the defenses of 2011-12 at aTm, but he doesn't need to ("excited to play with an offense"). Again referencing the complacency in his last two years at LSU, a change of scenery might also invigorate him.

This probably worked out best for all parties involved. That is, except for Chavis who comes out looking like a scumbag who pursued an employment opportunity in the shadows and then sued his new employer, but I digress....





In addition: You know, I had never heard the name Tim DeRuyter before today... but losing him seems to have been a pretty huge blow to your program.