I realize that I did not write a recap of the Mississippi State game, so I’ll provide one now: We beat ’em, and it was boring. Now, buckle up your chin straps! We’re on to Auburn. The national hype for this game has not been at the level you would expect from a top 10 matchup. However, this is LSU’s third top 10 battle of the year, with another one waiting in Tuscaloosa in two weeks. I’ve even heard talk of LSU possibly overlooking this game. I’m confident in saying there is no chance that LSU is looking past a 9th ranked Auburn team. In the early to mid 2000’s the LSU/Auburn games were looked at the same way LSU/Bama is seen today. It’s a good thing for LSU that they get a bye week after this game, because Auburn is as physical as they come. Auburn is a tough, physical game even in their down years. Needless to say, this is not a down year. This is a very talented team that only lacks experience at QB. Let’s take a closer look at how the teams match up.

Auburn offense vs. LSU defense

In a bit of a surprise, we learned that formerly injured starting RB JaTarvious Whitlow was cleared to play and would travel with the team to Baton Rouge. If healthy, this is a huge boost to an Auburn team that desperately wants to run the ball. Gus Malzahn always leans on more heavily on the run than pass, but even more so this year with freshman QB Bo Nix. Nix seems to have the pedigree (his father played for Auburn) along with all the physical tools needed to be a successful QB. It’s asking a lot of an 18 year old to step in and perform well in the SEC. In the history of this position there are a lot more Mitch Mustain’s than there are Trevor Lawrence’s. When Nix makes the right reads, he definitely has weapons. WR Seth Williams is the prototypical big bodied red zone nightmare with next level body control and hands. We must contain no. 5, Anthony Schwartz. Schwartz might be the fastest player in college football. If we don’t stay at home to force him inside on end arounds he’ll break one. Surprisingly enough, slot receiver Will Hastings is back for a 20th year. Aranda will need to disguise coverages and get pressure on Nix to prevent Hastings from having 10 catches for 10 3rd down conversions. He reads coverages and runs routes as well as anyone on the team. I’ll give a slight edge to LSU in this matchup because of the ability to stop the run.

LSU offense vs Auburn defense

Auburn has a dominant DT in Derrick Brown and another pro up front in Marlon Davidson. Their linebackers are talented, but teams have had success against their secondary. I don’t think LSU can simply line up and run up the gut on this Auburn team. However, the LSU Tigers have had success this year using the pass to set up the run, and that will have to continue. Brady/Ensminger must get the defense on their heels to run the ball on this defense. LSU hasn’t rolled Burrow out of the pocket often this year, but this might be the game to mix it in if Auburn creates pressure up the middle. This is an NFL matchup up front as the strength of both Tiger lines are up the middle. This might be the best defense LSU has faced, but I don’t expect to pick any defense over the LSU offense this year. The Tigers have been unstoppable, even on off days, and that won’t stop today.

I have a love/hate relationship with Auburn games. I loved it when we won 31-7 in 2003 to avenge a loss by the same score the year before. I hated it when Scam Newton played a highlight reel of a game in a winning effort for Auburn in 2010. There have been countless memorable games in this rivalry, but I don’t want one today. Unfortunately, I think this Auburn team is too good to blow out. We’ll score one last touchdown late to put the game away. LSU 35 – Auburn 24. Geaux Tigers!!!