LSU coach Les Miles isn’t off the hook if he wins this game but his eight victories over Auburn are the most for a coach in school history. If LSU harbors dreams of making the College Football Playoff, another loss can not be taken.
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Now, the Tigers are set to turn their attention to another SEC West foe, the Auburn Tigers.
Tucker and Amanda Boswell are diehard Auburn fans.
The LSU Tigers (2-1) are coming from a 23-20 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in week 3. The sack knocked the Tigers just out of field goal range for Colby Delahoussaye, who missed from 51 yards out by a few yards. He hit wide receiver Travin Dural on a similar play last week in the win over Mississippi State.
Which coach acts with the most desperation?
Auburn (1-2, 0-1 in SEC), which now ranks eighth in the SEC in rushing defense while allowing 149.33 yards per game, is obviously taking a special interest in slowing down an LSU run game that not only features Fournette but talented sophomore Derrius Guice. Efficiency and being on target when needed is something LSU has not had since 2013. LSU starting quarterback Danny Etling suffered some cuts to his face when tackled after a read-option keeper in the second quarter. The week began with safety Rudy Ford suggesting that slowing down Fournette “shouldn’t be that much of a challenge” and ended with CBS Sports cameras not showing much effort in wanting to touch the LSU tailback on a highlight reel touchdown run. Franklin was just 4-of-8 for 37 yards. Can Auburn rack ’em up at will against an SEC opponent. Play calling is part of the equation, but White can not dink and dunk against LSU for a win.
Will Auburn stick to the running game?
Winning in the SEC starts up front. LSU offensive line coach Jeff Grimes served as Auburn’s offensive line coach from 2009-12. He has proved that through three games, posting five sacks and 19 QB pressures. Auburn is averaging five yards per rush and 262 per game.
Arden Key, LSU’s athletic defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, is quick enough to have success by mesh charging.
For those that want to watch Auburn and LSU on Saturday, the game can be seen on TV on ESPN. Presumably, LSU doesn’t think Harris is done forever after a couple of bad games.
Close losses to two higher-ranked teams would not normally translate to doom and gloom among the fanbase – but it is the way in which those losses occurred that make Auburn’s situation so puzzling and frustrating. The teams faced off in the eighth game of the season, when both were 7-0. Which quarterback will be able to convert in those situations? Games tend to even out.
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Add Kamryn Pettway to the mix, and Auburn boasts two running backs that can break a big play at any moment. LSU will get the short field at some point. Auburn’s defense is better this year, so expect a tight one unless turnovers change the complexion of the game. If there were ever two programs who could be eskimo brothers, it’s these two.
