LSU defense back among SEC's best

• By RANDY ROSETTA AND GARY LANEY
• Advocate sportswriters
• Published: Oct 30, 2009

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LSU’s defense has been much more opportunistic this season, with 15 turnovers that have led to 41 points.

Largely because of those numbers, the No. 9-ranked Tigers (6-1) have reclaimed their spot as one of the best defenses in the Southeastern Conference.

Sophomore cornerback Patrick Peterson said it’s no accident LSU is taking the ball away much better than last season, when the Tigers finished their 13-game season with 19 takeaways.

“We have to give the offense the ball back,” Peterson said matter-of-factly. “That’s how we win the game. The offense doesn’t turn the ball over very often, and that’s real big, too. We expect to get at least two turnovers every game.”

LSU has committed only six turnovers this season and none have led to points for the opponent.

Peterson would love to get more involved in the pilfering, but he doesn’t get as many chances as his fellow defensive backs. But his impact helps others get more opportunities.

Through seven games, Peterson has emerged as a lockdown cornerback — his cover skills are so good he essentially takes away half the field on every pass play because quarterbacks can’t find an open receiver anywhere near him.

“I do get kind of bored out there,” Peterson said. “I spend more time talking to the receiver.”

Mississippi State made the mistake of testing Peterson on its first offensive snap Sept. 26. He swiped a pass and raced 37 yards for his first career touchdown — and only one so far.

“I’ll get back in the end zone again real soon,” he said.

Primary weapon

Tulane running back Andre’ Anderson ranks fourth in Conference USA with 92.3 rushing yards a game.

He has recorded a pair of 100-yard games this season, with a season-high 199 in a 42-32 victory against McNeese State.