LSU Tigers' emerging dynamic defensive duo replacing Harold Perkins spectacularly in win over South Alabama
When LSU got the news that Harold Perkins would be missing the remainder of the 2024 college football season things sounded bleak for the Tigers' defense. Then of course Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones continued balling off the edge. And this week two more playmakers have cemented their status a difference makers for the LSU […]
When LSU got the news that Harold Perkins would be missing the remainder of the 2024 college football season things sounded bleak for the Tigers' defense. Then of course Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones continued balling off the edge. And this week two more playmakers have cemented their status a difference makers for the LSU Tigers.
Both linebackers, Greg Penn and Whit Weeks, had begun stepping up in games where Harold Perkins failed to impress in the early weeks of this season. Both had between 25 and 30 tackles on the year heading into Week 5 with multiple pass rush pressures. Both had logged nearly 200 snaps on the year already as significant contributors. This week was different against South Alabama though.
Not many realize this, but South Alabama's offense had a distinct advantage (on paper) when it came to their matchup against off-ball linebackers coming into the LSU game. Their running backs had destroyed linebackers, creating plenty of missed tackles and over seven yards per carry. Wide receivers had torched the linebackers in coverage. But not Penn and Weeks. That tandem stepped up big time, shutting down South Alabama's entire skill position group.
Greg Penn stole the show in terms of tackle totals as he racked up 14 on the game, finding himself everywhere, all over the field, always near the ball. But Whit Weeks' physicality showed up in a few huge spots again this week. When he and Major Burns collided for a 4th down stop to prevent a touchdown in the 3rd quarter it immediately launched Lopez' helmet off.
Penn and Weeks now both have nearly 40 tackles in just five games, with several key run stops and pass rush wins. They're both looking like perfect replacements for Harold Perkins early this season now that he's out for the year.
While it's true Penn and Weeks could certainly improve in their pass coverage, they're clearly improving, looking ready to shut down most running back and tight end rooms around college football. If they keep this up it's going to be hard for any SEC team to find significant success against LSU for long.
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