Is LSU Suspending Three? If So, Here’s What It Means

UPDATE: And the Valley Shook has video of Les Miles’ Wednesday-night press conference. Miles’ answers on suspension-related questions are about as evasive and confusing as you would expect.

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So, Adria Goins, a sports reporter for KLSA News in Shreveport tweeted earlier today that three LSU players — Tyrann Mathieu, Spencer Ware and Tharold Simon — are suspended for the Auburn game. (Her original tweet contained player names, but Goins deleted it and replaced it with a tweet sans player names.) Since then, other media outlets have picked up the story and reported the same information. If it is, in fact, true that those three will be out for the Auburn game, it certainly improves the orange-and-blue Tigers’ chances at winning. Here’s what LSU could be missing.

THAROLD SIMON — 6-foot-3, 187-pound cornerback, sophomore

Simon is more of a bit player in LSU’s defense, although, he has played in every game this season. For the year, he has 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and one interception. Simon mostly backs up Morris Claiborne at left corner, so his absence won’t be largely felt. It will slightly hurt LSU’s depth, however.

TYRANN MATHIEU, 5-foot-9, 175-pound cornerback, sophomore

This one hurts the Bengal Tigers. Big time. The Honey Badger is one of the most well-known players in college football this year, and it’s for good reason. Mathieu has terrorized opposing offenses all over the field, compiling 42 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, four forced fumbles, three fumble returns (two for touchdowns), two interceptions, 1.5 sacks and one quarterback hurry. In addition to being a defensive wonder, Mathieu also returns punts. He’s averaging nearly eight yards on 15 returns. It’s pretty fresh in Auburn fans’ minds that disaster can happen when mistakes are made in the punt-return game — thanks, Florida! — so the idea of a backup returning Steven Clark’s cloud-pokers sounds pretty nice.

Listed on the depth chart behind Mathieu at right corner is Ron Brooks, a six-foot, 179-pound senior. Brooks has played sparingly in seven games this year, so who knows if Les Miles will insert him into the lineup. One thing is clear — whoever replaces Mathieu will be a downgrade for LSU’s defense.

LSU is likely going to focus the entire energy of its front seven on stopping the run and getting after the quarterback. With Auburn needing to throw the ball more, Mathieu not being on the field will make life a bit easier for Clint Moseley, who is, oh by the way, making his first career start in Baton Rouge. No big deal. With Mathieu, LSU has allowed 176 passing yards per game. If Moseley can find a way to hit that number on Saturday, Auburn’s rushing game should do enough put some points on the scoreboard.

SPENCER WARE — 5-foot-11, 233-pound running back, sophomore

It’s hard to tell how much losing Ware will affect LSU’s offense. Ware is the kind of bruiser that can really wear — no pun intended — down an opposing defensive line. LSU has started slow, offensively, a few times this year but pulled away late thanks in large part to Ware’s carries. He’s only averaging 18 per game for 73 yards, but it has been enough to keep defenses honest and open up the passing game for Jarrett Lee.

So, who replaces Ware? Michael Ford and Alfred Blue have consistent received playing time this year. Ford is averaging 9.5 carries per game for 51 yards and has scored six touchdowns — just as many as Ware. Blue gets about 7.5 carries for 33.5 yards per game and has scored four touchdowns. The thing that stands out most is that all three of LSU’s running backs average at least four yards per carry. Ware averages and even four, Ford averages 5.36 (yikes) and Blue gets 4.52 per rush. With LSU’s nasty offensive line, it might not matter who is carrying the ball.

Before news of LSU’s possible suspensions, the purple-and-gold Tigers were a 23-point favorite in Saturday’s game. Does losing two starters and a reserve really change things. Well, considering that those two starters are LSU’s two best players, this game is not going to be as much of a cakewalk as many had imagined. Auburn still must deal with LSU’s sinister defensive line, the rest of a very good secondary, a great offensive line, good wide receivers and mind-boggling good play from Lee at quarterback.

The challenge is still great for Auburn, but Gene Chizik’s team certainly should feel better about itself going into Saturday’s game.