The statistics show LSU has slid in defense this season, and Coach Les Miles does not want his coordinators talking about it. Miles would not allow co-defensive coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto to speak with reporters this week about the team’s defense, which is no longer the toughest in the state, according to NCAA statistics that put the Tigers behind Tulane in total defense. Mallory and Peveto have become flash points for criticism this season as No. 15 LSU (5-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) has slipped to ninth in the league in total defense and allowed more than 50 points twice in a season for the first time in school history.