Auburn football: Five key LSU Tigers to know before Saturday’s matchup

Key Player #4: Kayshon Boutte

Does anyone remember Jahan Dotson from the Penn State game? The guy that had 10 receptions for 78 yards? Well, meet LSU’s Kayshon Boutte, who we can expect to see just as much as Dotson. The Bayou Bengals’ go-to receiver is averaging 12.9 yards per catch this season and has already racked up 24 receptions for 309 yards and eight touchdowns.

This is a huge problem for Auburn football, who has so far allowed their opponents to complete 72.6 percent of passes, which is the fifth-worst in the nation, per AL.com. Allowing Boutte to get his hands on the ball through the air is a quick way for Auburn to keep up their losing streak in Death Valley.

Key Player #5: Max Johnson

Max Johnson became the first LSU quarterback to complete three or more touchdown passes in all five games as a starter, per LSU Wire, and he’s also the first QB to pass for three 40+ yard touchdowns in the same game since Rohan Davey. Once again, it becomes extremely clear how important Auburn football’s pass defense will be this Saturday.

Johnson is quick on his feet, has the ability to sit back in the pocket and make great passes, and keep his focus on making a play until the very last second. According to Tom Green of AL.com, Bryan Harsin is very impressed with the LSU QB:

"“I think he’s a competitor. I don’t know their system. I don’t know everything he’s being taught, but you see a guy that’s improved, and you see a guy that’s playing the quarterback position well. I think he understands it. You can tell there’s something about him that he understands what it takes to play that position. I think he makes good decisions, so he’s a guy that has impressed me as I’ve watched him.”"

Auburn football has a big challenge ahead of them as they face LSU under the lights in Death Valley, but they also have the chance to break a 10-game losing streak in Tiger Stadium.