re: Does Chavis need a ball control offense, with elite Time of Possession?

I wouldn't say he "needs" a ball control offense any more than any other defensive coordinator.

But it is logical to assume that an offense like Sumlin's will hamper defensive statistics, regardless of who the coordinator is. If they are scoring rapidly, that's more possessions in which the defense has to be on the field. Conversely, if they are running hurry up and going three and out or only getting 6-7 offensive snaps off before turning it over, that's less time for the defense to recoup before taking the field again.

The Chavis ordeal has gotten to the point where you can't really talk about it honestly, because it turns into a jerk off contest--which we know the ags will win (sorry, couldn't help myself).

But he's a great coordinator, one of the top 5 or so in the game. The talent and scheme at tamu isn't there for him to field top flight defenses yet, but he's an huge upgrade regardless of what LSU fans will say.

Despite this, he isn't without his flaws. The guy doesn't recruit well. His specialty is supposedly linebackers, but that was usually an area at LSU that wasn't up to par with the secondary or D-line. There would be a good-great MLB generally, but LSU always seemed thin on the outside.

Also, third and Chavis is real. Its not as if no lead is safe, but playing prevent defense under CFB rules is just plain stupid--nickle and diming a defense with a time out and 1:00min left is possible because of the clock stoppages.

Again, he's a great coordinator and will be a big improvement at tamu, but given how close he is to retirement, plus the talent and scheme in College Station, it would really surprise me if he starts consistently fielding the ridiculous defenses he did at Tennessee and LSU.