re: Orlando investigative reporter Joe Kepner looked at LSU defense claims

quote:

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10 of the defensive players in the Fiesta bowl started on defense 4 or more games in 2018.

8 started 7+ games

7 started 9+ games

6 started 10+ games

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The problem is, this isn't even accurate.

The defensive starters for the Fiesta Bowl for LSU were:
Michael Divinity - 10 starts
Glen Logan - 9 starts
Rashard Lawrence - 12 starts
Patrick Queen - 3 starts
Ray Thornton - 1 start (Southestern due to Phillips targeting suspension)
Devin White - 12 starts
Terrance Alexander - 4 starts, never starting at outside CB
Grant Delpit - 12 starts, ejected in first half
Jacoby Stevens - 3 starts (after John Battle got hurt in the Alabama game)
John Battle - 8 starts
Kary Vincent - 6 starts, also never starting on the outside

So, if we take Delpit out due to the ejection in the 2nd quarter....
7 started 4 or more games
4 started 7 or more games
4 started 9 or more games
3 started 10 or more games

This also doesn't account for LSU's best pass rusher, by far, K. Chaisson, who tore his ACL week 1. Funny how an "investigative journalist" can't even follow box scores correctly
LINK - 2018 stats, which provides player participation report
LINK - box score from Fiesta Bowl, which lists starters for the game.


LSU was also forced to start with a 3-3-5 defense at the start of the game against UCF instead of their preferred 3-4 with LBs Chaisson and Phillips being out to start the game.