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College Football: 5 reasons LSU wins 2017 National Championship

By Gabe Henderson

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 31: LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) under center during the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, between the LSU Tigers and the Louisville Cardinals on December 31, 2016, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 31: LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) under center during the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, between the LSU Tigers and the Louisville Cardinals on December 31, 2016, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images /

2. Lockdown “D”

They don’t call LSU “DBU” for nothing. Despite losing Jamal Adams, Tre’Davious White, Jalen Collins and Jalen Mills over the last three seasons, the Tigers are still loaded.

LSU still very well may have the best secondary in college football in terms of starting talent. The Tigers return two of the top cornerbacks in the country in Donte Jackson and Kevin Toliver II. Both are juniors. Jackson is one of the most exciting players in college football. He may also be the fastest. The dual-sport athlete has nearly superhuman speed and can cover a vast majority of the field in a matter of seconds. His pure athleticism and incredibly quick hands give him the ability to ball-hawk with the best of them.

Toliver on the other hand is one of the NCAA’s best cover corners. Despite missing half of his sophomore season due to injury, Toliver is one of the most experienced juniors in the country. He brings a physical aspect to the game. Toliver is able to jam receivers off the line or overpower them mid-route. All things considered, he’s one of the best DBs in college right now. Factor in the experienced Ed Paris and John Battle at safety and LSU’s secondary is set to enforce a strict “no fly zone” once again.

Quite possibly the most notable defender the Tigers bring back, however, is Arden Key. Key gave fans a scare at the end of last season when he announced his brief exodus from the team. But, he’s back. Key is drawing comparisons to Myles Garrett, the reigning no. 1 pick. Furthermore, his ability to play both linebacker and defensive end at such high levels are reminiscent of Jadeveon Clowney. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda loves Key and continues to praise him and his abilities. He’s one of the most talented players in the NCAA and he will likely be taken in the first round of the 2018 draft, should he decide to declare.

Another interesting aspect to LSU’s defense is its continued pattern of seniors getting a chance. This year, Greg Gilmore (NT) and Donnie Alexander (ILB) will be those seniors. Gilmore and Alexander are big and physical run stoppers. Both of which give Key room to roam free between linebacker and the defensive line. The LSU front seven will wreak havoc on opposing defenses and will go toe-to-toe with Alabama in terms of the best front seven in the SEC.

Saturday, Nov. 4 cannot come soon enough. LSU versus Alabama will be the dream game for defensive-minded fans. Can the LSU defense finally stop Alabama enough to win for the first time since 2011? Only time will tell. However, one thing is for sure: this Tigers defense is ready.

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