Preview: #15 LSU @ #5 Auburn
Date: 10/4/2014
Time: 7:00 ET
Television: ESPN
Spread: Auburn (-8)
Players to Watch
Brandon Harris, quarterback (LSU): Since coming off the bench, the LSU Tigers have scored on 12 of 15 drives under the freshman. Anthony Jennings was terrible but the team is in good hands under Harris who has completed just over 73% of his passes with six touchdowns and an interception. He also has three scores on the ground.
Travin Dural, wide receiver (LSU): Despite inconsistent quarterback play, Dural has stood out amongst his peers. The sophomore wide-out has 21 catches in five games for 534 yards and five touchdowns. He is a burner and will continue to open up the field for Harris as the quarterback gets better and better.
Cameron Artis-Payne, running back (AUB): Artis-Payne is 16th nationally in rushing yards per game with 117, despite a down game last week against Kansas State. He is averaging 5.44 yards per carry and has five touchdowns as he begins to show good improvement from 2013.
DaVonte Lambert, defensive end (AUB): Since joining the Tigers from the junior college ranks, Lambert has emerged as one of the top defensive lineman on the team. He has 2.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss including a forced fumble. His play will be key against a veteran offensive line and good stable of running backs.
LSU’s Offense Vs Auburn’s Defense
After a spluttering start LSU have, hopefully, found their feet on offense. Harris has claimed the job for himself and he is receiving plenty of help from elsewhere. A trio of freshman wide receivers, including Malachi Dupre who has four touchdowns, and first-year elite running back Leonard Fournette are all making a significant impact, meaning the offense you will see Saturday is the one you will see in two years time.
Auburn are conceding just 16.3 points per game but a steady stream of weeks have built up with average teams scoring touchdowns. San Jose State managed 13 points while Louisiana Tech mustered 17. LSU have turned the ball over at least once during the first four games and Auburn must continue the trend.
LSU’s Defense Vs Auburn’s Offense
The LSU defense has two lockouts and a seven pointer against New Mexico State. However, during their two “tests” so far this season in Mississippi State and Wisconsin, they have leaked 29 and 24 points respectively. Shoring up the ranks when it matters will be a point of emphasis from Les Miles, who will no doubt hate how easily running backs have breezed through big holes.
Nick Marshall has six touchdowns to just one interception through the air to go with his two scores on the ground. While he is the heart of the offense with a high percentage of plays going through him, how well he plays goes a long way to determining how well the other areas of the offense open up for the aforementioned playmakers.
Game Preview
On paper this game shapes up to be an absolute cracker. LSU will be looking to make amends for the loss to Mississippi State while Auburn have their sights set firmly on getting back to the SEC championship game. Both sides match each other well in every department which should make for exciting plays and dramatic moments.
Implications
Both teams will be battling it out with Alabama and Texas A&M for SEC West supremacy. A loss for LSU would put them two games back and almost certainly out of the running while Auburn must maintain their unbeaten record.
Prediction
Despite LSU having fallen to an SEC opponent already this season, I like Harris and think with him under center, they are an elite side. LSU 27-21 AUBURN