Why Elite Defense Still Matters

Lane Kiffin made one thing clear—LSU’s defense had to stay intact, and Blake Baker was central to that.

In this episode, we dive into why retaining Baker was a priority for Kiffin after seeing LSU firsthand while at Ole Miss. The difference in the Tigers’ defense with and without Baker wasn’t subtle, and we break down those matchups, the numbers, and what it means moving forward.

We also take a broader look at the College Football Playoff and why, despite the offensive explosion across the sport, elite defenses still drive championship runs. Which recent CFP teams back that up, and where does LSU need to be?

Plus, Kiffin explains his decision to eliminate the traditional spring game—and what that signals about his approach to roster management and development.

If LSU is going to contend in 2026, it starts on defense.

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