Welcome everyone to the latest preview for LSU’s next matchup! This week, it’s the battle of the Tigers as LSU makes the trip over to Alabama to take on Auburn. It’s a huge game for both teams, especially considering what’s happened the last couple of times these teams faced off.
Without further ado, let’s get on with the preview!
Last Time Out:
Last time LSU took the field, they were able to shut out Southeastern Louisiana with a 31-0 win at Tiger Stadium, but left many fans with more questions than answers.
Meanwhile you look at Auburn and they dominated Alabama State by the score of 63-9 to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Last Meeting:
The last time these two teams faced off, LSU rallied in the second half and came away with a 27-23 win inside Death Valley. LSU holds the overall series lead 29-22-1, but the series has been a lot closer in recent years with both teams trading wins since 2014.
Storylines to Watch:
Offensive Line Will be Tested
Earlier in this article, it was mentioned that many fans were left with more questions than answers and that was largely because of the offensive line’s performance against Southeastern Louisiana. After the first quarter, it seemed like Joe Burrow was in pressure constantly and that affected the way LSU performed as a whole.
What should have been at least a 40-point ballgame turned into a 31-0 win. It’s a little concerning to see the offensive line struggle and Ed Orgeron is rearranging his lineup before the SEC opener and that should be huge for not only Saturday night, but for the rest of SEC play if the changes work out.
Can Brossette Duplicate Last Two Weeks
One of the pleasant surprises the last couple of weeks was Nick Brossette becoming the bellcow for a team that seemed to have a hard time finding one during fall camp. After a pair of 100-yard performances against Miami and Southeastern Louisiana, this will be an incredibly tough game to duplicate those numbers.
Auburn is one of the toughest in the SEC in terms of run defense, allowing 74.5 yards per game. Yes, they’ve only played two games but if Brossette can get things going this could be a lot closer of a ballgame than the guys in the desert are thinking it will be.
Special Teams Could be Key
LSU’s special teams has been way better through two games than it’s been in the last few years. Cole Tracy has proven himself as a solid kicker with a pair of fifty-yarder and Avery Atkins has started to make us forget about some of the kickoff woes that they had in recent years.
While it seems like Tracy could miss some later in the season, but right now is all that matters and he could be a key cog for LSU when it comes to getting a W.
LSU Will Win If:
LSU will have an uphill climb this Saturday against Auburn. The last few matchups have been won by the home team and a big key for them will likely be the special teams. Cole Tracy has been perfect so far and Avery Atkins has been crushing the football on kickoffs while Auburn left some points on the board in the season opener against Washington with Anders Carlson missing a couple. Add that to a near perfect ballgame from Joe Burrow, it’s a win for LSU.
Auburn Will Win If:
Auburn has a lot of players that will give Ed Orgeron some headaches on both sides of the ball and it’s a big reason why they’re 9.5 point favorites. Jarrett Stidham has a clean sheet (no turnovers), it should be a win for the Plainsmen/War Eagle/Tigers.
-Clint Domingue