#15 LSU at #5 Auburn Preview and Predictions
By Nathan Deal
Sep 27, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a touchdown against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
LSU’s Keys to Victory
1. Remain calm. Sure, LSU opened the season in Houston against Wisconsin, but the crowd was still largely in favor of the Tigers. This is the first time many of these young players have played in a hostile environment, and it doesn’t get much tougher than Jordan-Hare Stadium at night. Many of LSU’s key offensive players are true freshmen, so it’s key they don’t lose their poise in a tough atmosphere.
2. Be disciplined against the read option. According to ESPN’s David Ching, Auburn currently ranks 2nd in the FBS in touchdowns and yards per game on read option runs. That’s bad news for the LSU Tigers, who gave up a whopping 192 yards on 20 read option runs against Mississippi State. Of course, that was LSU’s first time going up against a full-time starting Dak Prescott. Les Miles, who is 4-1 against Gus Malzahn’s offenses, has experience against this scheme, so expect more discipline from the Bayou Bengals than they had against the Bulldogs.
3. LSU’s quarterback must make plays through the air. Brandon Harris will get the start, but should he struggle, don’t be surprised if Anthony Jennings gets snaps as well. Auburn’s defense is 15th in the nation against the run, giving up just 90.8 yards per game. In Auburn’s lone win so far against a ranked team, the Tigers held an explosive Kansas State offense to just 40 rushing yards. LSU boasts a strong running game, as usual, but they need productive play through the air, which is easier said than done with true freshman wide receivers against a vastly improved Auburn secondary.