Chavis delivers stout defensive performance in return to alma mater

LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is a baby. He admitted it.

Chavis spoke through tears following No. 1 LSU's (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) 38-7 victory against Tennessee (3-3, 0-3 SEC) on Saturday.

"I'm a softie," Chavis said. "Call me a baby or whatever you want."

Chavis had a reason to be emotional as Saturday marked his return to Tennessee, where he spent 24 years as a student, player, coach and coordinator.

The Tigers' defense did its job to make Chavis' homecoming a happy one. LSU forced two interceptions from senior quarterback Matt Simms, one of which was taken 88 yards by junior cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Coming into the game, Tennessee had only thrown two interceptions all season. However, they were without starting quarterback Tyler Bray, who didn't play due to a broken thumb.

Claiborne said the Tigers knew this week was special for the coordinator known as "Chief."

"We know as a team and a defense that this game was special for him," he said. "We played it for him tonight."

Though he was on the opposite sideline, the Neyland Stadium crowd sent a warm welcome to Chavis.

"The thing that matters the most are the people," Chavis said. "There are some people still here in Knoxville associated with that program that I care dearly about."

It makes sense that the Volunteer faithful would praise Chavis for his time at Tennessee. Chavis walked on as a football player while he was a student at Tennessee. He later earned a scholarship for his play as an offensive lineman.

He was the defensive coordinator for the 1998 Volunteer national championship team. During his tenure at Tennessee, Chavis coached future NFL players such as Eric Berry, Jerod Mayo, Albert Haynesworth and Jabari Greer.

While he cherished his time with the Volunteers, Chavis was quick to say the people that matter right now are his players on the LSU defense.

"My heart is with those Tigers," he said. "I'm with them every day. Those are the people that I care the most about right now."

Chavis also said while he still has close ties at Tennessee, he has become close with the LSU coaching staff.

"The relationship that I've built with this coaching staff over the past three years continues to grow and it's special, too," he said. "I enjoy being a part of this staff. It's so much fun."

The Tigers' defense held a Tennessee offense that was averaging 327 passing yards a game to only 128 yards on six completions.

The defense didn't have to do much work in the second half. LSU controlled possession for most of the third and fourth quarters, and the Volunteers only had three drives in the second half.

LSU coach Les Miles said the game ball was awarded to Chavis in an emotional exchange after the game. According to Chavis, none of the focus should have been on him.

"I don't ever want this to be about me," he said. "I'm an old football coach, an old country boy that was fortunate enough to be able to fall in love with the sport."

Chavis instead put the focus on the defense he commands.

"It's all about those guys that go out there and play in between the lines," he said. "That's who it needs to be about. They are a special group of young men and I'm excited to be around them."

____

Contact Albert Burford at aburford@lsureveille.com