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Matt House

LSU

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Conference: SEC

Coach Stats

Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
Matt House has transformed LSU’s defense, taking a unit that returned only 3 starters from a year ago and molded it into one of the best in the SEC. LSU’s starting lineup features 4 transfers and a true freshmen and that group has helped lead the Tigers to Top 10 ranking, an 8-2 overall mark and a berth in the SEC Championship Game. LSU’s defense held Top 10 ranked Ole Miss scoreless for the final 44 minutes in a 45-20 victory; held Alabama without a TD in the first half for first time all year and limited Crimson Tide to just 9 points thru 3 quarters (fewest all season) in the win; and held Arkansas to its fewest points (10), rushing yards (121) and total yards (237) all season. 
Coach's Past Performance
Served on staff at Kansas City Chiefs for 3 years as linebackers coach where he helped the franchise win a Super Bowl and play for another. Served as defensive coordinator in college at Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Florida International for a total of 5 years. HIs Kentucky defense helped the Wildcats reach a bowl game for three straight years, a first in nearly a decade. As the defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, he coached first round draft pick Aaron Donald, who has twice been named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 
Team Record and Standings
LSU is 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the SEC. LSU has clinched a berth in the SEC Championship game after being picked to finish 5th in the SEC Western Division in the preseason.  The Tigers, who were unranked at the beginning of the season, are No. 6 in the AP Poll, No. 7 in the Coaches Poll and are No. 7 in the latest CFP Rankings – new rankings come out on Tuesday. LSU has wins over then-No. 7 Ole Miss, 45-20, and then No-6 Alabama, 32-31 (OT). 
Team/Unit Stats

LSU is allowing 21.0 points and 347.2 total yards per game (139.4 rushing, 207.8 passing)

LSU is allowing only 38 percent on third-down conversion rate and the Tigers have given up scores in the redzone only 76 percent of the time (25-of-33). LSU is also among the best in the nation in redzone TDs allowed at 33 percent (13-of-33). 

Individual Player Stats

True freshman linebacker Harold Perkins has been named Walter Camp National Player of the Week for his 8-tackle, 4-sack, 2 forced fumble effort in win over Arkansas on Nov. 12. He was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his play in win over Alabama (8 tackles, 1 sack, 3 QB hurries). In win over Ole Miss Perkins, was named SEC Freshman of the Week. 

DE BJ Ojulari has twice been named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in 2022

DB Jay Ward was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Miss. State. 

DT Mekhi Wingo was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week vs. Ole Miss.    

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