Tyrann Mathieau Out; Why it won’t matter defensively

Multiple outlets, including ESPN, report that Tyrann Mathieau is no longer at LSU.

He’s the reigning SEC defensive player of the year, a Heisman finalist and the personification of one of the most badass animals on the planet (MOST BADASS! SORRY HONEY BADGER, PLEASE STOP GAUGING MY EYES OUT! I’M SORRY!).

His absence will hardly be felt. Defensively.

On special teams, LSU will not be as dynamic as they were a season ago. They still have one of the best kicking games in the nation, but their return game has certainly fallen a few rungs down the ladder.

Defensively, though, this team is straight up loaded.

Jalen Colins is his replacement, and although he played in just one game last season, most expect him to fit in well in the Tigers’ secondary.

Colins was a four star recruit according to Rivals.com, and even though that’s pretty good, Colins isn’t the reason LSU’s defense won’t be any worse for wear.

This team’s defensive line is so good, that teams cannot run on it. They can’t. LSU opponents will be forced into so many third-and-longs that it won’t matter who’s playing behind their defensive line.

Early in the year some kinks will undoubtedly need to be worked out, but by the time LSU plays Auburn four weeks into the season, the secondary will be fine.

Again, LSU’s special teams have taken a hit with Mathieau’s departure, but the Tigers’ lifeblood, their defense, will be just fine in 2012.