LSU football transfer cornerback beginning to play up to expectations

The Tiger defense has been waiting for someone to step up. While it was only one game, LSU football transfer cornerback Zy Alexander showed some promise vs. Auburn. Following their win on Saturday, coach Brian Kelly spoke about Alexander and where the improvement came from.

The Tiger defense showed up in a major way vs. Auburn

Heading into this past Saturday, the Tiger defense had largely looked hopeless against just about any offense. They’d allowed well over 1,000 yards the previous two games, and something needed to change.

While it wasn’t perfect by any means, their game vs. Auburn showed some serious promise.

While they did allow 18 points on the day, their improvement on the day cannot be overstated. Through four quarters, the defense allowed just 154 yards through the air and 139 yards rushing.

Give some love to the defense ✊ pic.twitter.com/7S33QI6bQS

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 15, 2023

It was an encouraging performance, and it was one of the big takeaways for coach Brian Kelly following the win on Saturday.

“I thought that we were pretty disciplined defensively,” coach Kelly said to the media following their win on Saturday. “I thought our corners in particular – Zy Alexander was tested early on, and we challenged him to really play the ball in the air, and I thought he did a great job.”

“And that’s what they wanted to do early,” he continued. “They wanted to throw fades; he took that away from them, and I give our defense a lot of credit. They’ve been under a lot of scrutiny, and to see that kind of development over the past couple of weeks has been fun.”

LSU football transfer cornerback Zy Alexander takes necessary step forward

One of the more notable performances of the day was that of LSU football transfer cornerback Zy Alexander. Recently, he’s been the target of both fans and football teams alike.

However, instead of folding under pressure, he took it as a challenge to get better.

“He got sandpapered all week,” coach Brian Kelly said about the transfer cornerback. “He just needed to get that grit and toughness of playing corner. And you’re gonna get beat, but you know what? You’ve got to get back in there, and you’ve got to use your technique, and you’ve got to go fight for the football. And I think he’s growing and understanding the position much more.”

Despite being targeted early and often by yet another offense, he came away as the winner of the day. In total, he recorded nine tackles and two passes defended.

“More than anything else, he’s got a better mindset about playing,” coach Kelly continued. “Instead of being reactionary, he’s much more aggressive, and we’re gonna keep it that way.”

If they can indeed keep it that way, the Tiger defense is almost certainly on the rise. The corners shouldn’t be tested much this week, as LSU football will take on Army this coming Saturday.

However, it’ll be curious to see how improved they continue to look, as Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are just around the corner.

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