Campus Clash

(9) Auburn Tigers at (2) LSU Tigers

Auburn: The bye week did them well because they were able to bounce back in convincing fashion against the Arkansas Razorbacks. A 41-point victory to be exact. Prior to this game, they were last on the field two weeks ago against the Florida Gators. Things didn’t go so well for them to say the least. For most of the year, quarterback Bo Nix has been on a tear. I also mentioned that the kid never seemed to be phased by a big moment or a hostile environment. That wasn’t the case against the Florida Gators a few weeks ago. Give Dan Mullen’s team a ton of credit because they made sure to keep Bo contained and in the pocket. If he was going to beat them, it would be over the top by making passes down the field. Now, Auburn is still in the running for the SEC West despite the one loss. This is a good football team that Gus Malzahn has. Despite losing JaTarvious Whitlow to a knee injury, Auburn was still able to establish the running game against Arkansas on Saturday. They continue to establish themselves as the best rushing team in the SEC and they are also ranked 11th in the nation in rushing averaging 239.6 yards per game. I’m a big fan of this Auburn defense. Kevin Steele continues to get the best out of them no matter who’s on the field. They have one of, if not, the best front seven in the country. They’re ranked 12th against the run allowing 94 rushing yards per contest, 23rd overall in yards (319) but where they struggle is defending the pass which they are ranked 68th which is middle of the pack. To remain in this tight SEC race, they look to avenge a tough loss to the Tigers of LSU in Death Valley.

LSU: This is the best I’ve seen them look since 2011 when they shocked the world and made the national title game only to fall short to you guessed it, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Right now, this team is much better than that team I just mentioned. Right now, the LSU Tigers are in a prime position to make some noise not just in the SEC, but in the entire country. Now, they’re ranked second in college football. This offense week in and out continues to shred every defense in their path. If you don’t elect to pressure Joe Burrow, he’ll carve you up and make you pay. They’ve scored 40 or more points in all but one game, this past Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs when they scored 36. I’ve given Burrow the nickname “Joe Cool II” because we have a Joe Cool already in Joe Montana, that’s fair, right? Each time I watch him, he plays with tremendous poise. Everything just comes to him it seems. Their offense is so electric because each time you look up, points are on the board. They’re able to start fast and keep their foot on the gas. This is an all-around complete football team that Ed Orgeron has headed in the right direction. They return home for another tough opponent on Saturday when Gus Malzahn and his Auburn Tigers come to town.

Auburn Player to Watch: Marlon Davidson– He’s a workhorse for this Auburn defensive line. Being a former defensive end myself, I’ll always enjoy active guys on the edge which is exactly what Marlon is. He’s aggressive up front with quick and violent hands, he’s quick off the snap and he always has his feet moving to try to make a play. He feels he can get to the quarterback every single time he’s on the field.

LSU Player to Watch: Ja’Marr Chase– Next to Justin Jefferson, this is Joe’s other reliable target. He has a way to release himself to get open down the field. I see some DeSean Jackson in his game. He’s their deep threat and moves well with the ball in his hands in space. He’s extremely shifty. He runs his routes with consistency and he’s very sure handed. I love what I saw from him in the Florida game almost two weeks ago.

Final Analysis: Ah, the annual “Tiger Bowl”. When these two met last season, LSU stunned a heavily favored Auburn team at Jordan Hare stadium by a point, 22-21. Here we are over a year later with this rivalry shifting to Baton Rouge. Death Valley is one of the toughest places to play. It’s crucial that Auburn’s offense starts quickly to silence the crowd. On defense, they need to rattle Joe Burrow. Always keep eyes on him and force him to hold the ball longer than he does. LSU can take a page out of Florida’s book which is keeping Nix in the pocket. He likes to move around to extend plays. Make him throw the ball from the pocket.

Prediction: LSU 34 Auburn 30