#10 Auburn @ LSU Preview.
#10 Auburn (3-0); 5-1 @ LSU (1-1); 4-2
3:30 / CBS
Auburn -7
The big game in the SEC this week matches up tiger against tiger. One tiger wants to keep the prowl going, while the other tiger is hoping it has found itself. Auburn defeated LSU last year; 18-13 , on six Daniel Carlson field goals. An apparent touchdown pass from LSU quarterback; Danny Etling, on the last seconds of that game was ruled no good by replay. A couple of days later, LSU decided to part ways with long time head coach, Les Miles mainly because of the offensive ineptitude that plagued LSU.
LSU has tried to rectify their problems on offense by hiring offensive coordinator; Matt Canada, but the results, so far, has been spotty; along with the results of the team. LSU only managed 21 points in their loss to Troy and only had seven points in their blowout loss to Mississippi State. Etling has been playing error free with only one interception. Running back; Derrius Guice, has been the workhorse with 82 carries for 364 yards and five touchdowns. They will have to continue to be error free and control the ball against an Auburn defense, which has been disruptive and stingy against the run.
There have been no such problems for the Auburn offense the past three games. After starting the season slow in a loss to Clemson and struggling against Mercer, the Auburn offense has ripped off over 800 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns against Missouri, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Running back; Kerryon Johnson, has 504 rushing yards this season, including 204 yards against Ole Miss last week. Quarterback; Jarrett Stidham, has completed over 71 percent of his passes for 1345 yards and seven touchdowns. An average of 48 points have been produced in the past three games. It's difficult to find an offense more balanced than Auburn right now.
But the past three opponents Auburn has faced don't have the defensive talent that LSU has . They are getting healthier and may be finding their groove. Tackles; Ed Alexander and Rashard Lawrence, are back from injury along with Frank Herrion. Defensive end; Arden Key, is improving his production and the Bayou Tigers have a dangerous secondary. They have tallied 20 sacks already this season. Can they contain the Auburn running attack? LSU has given up over 200 rushing yards in their past three games. Can they put enough pressure on Stidham and negotiate an experienced and talented Auburn offensive line?
It appears that Auburn is playing too well right now for LSU. Their offense may be too much for LSU to deal with. If LSU limits mistakes on offense and keep the Auburn offense off the field, they could keep the score low. That will help in their upset bid.
Auburn 31-17
