Auburn (4-0) notched its 300th all-time win in Jordan-Hare Stadium and extended its non-conference home-game winning streak to 25 after knocking off Louisiana Tech 45-17 last Saturday, Sept. 27. Now, Auburn prepares to host 15th-ranked LSU (4-1) Saturday night, Oct. 4, in a primetime SEC West matchup that will have major implications on the national playoff picture.
Quarterback controversy
LSU has struggled to find stability at quarterback this season after losing Zach Mettenberger to the NFL. After a shaky performance by sophomore Anthony Jennings against New Mexico State that resulted in four first-quarter turnovers, Les Miles seems prepared to hand the reins to freshman Brandon Harris, who led LSU to touchdowns on each of his seven drives. Harris finished the game 11 of 14 with 178 yards and three touchdowns.
Productive freshmen playmakers
LSU's power-running game racked up 363 yards against New Mexico State and will feature a group of capable backs led by true freshman Leonard Fournette, who picked up 122 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries against Texas A&M.
Although Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. are no longer lining up on the outside at receiver for LSU, sophomore Travin Dural and freshman Malachi Dupre have been productive in their own right, and the duo has combined for nine touchdown receptions this year. Dural leads LSU with 534 receiving yards this year.
LSU defending Marshall's runs
LSU's defense is ranked eighth in the FBS in terms of efficiency. Although this team has shown the ability to force turnovers, defending the quarterback run has been a glaring weakness in their defensive scheme.
In LSU's loss against Mississippi State, quarterback Dak Prescott rushed for 105 yards, and New Mexico State quarterback Andrew Allen had 113 yards on only five attempts.
Revenge
This will be a revenge game for Auburn, whose only conference loss last season came in Death Valley, where Jeremy Hill gashed the Auburn defense to the tune of 184 yards and three scores. LSU's defensive backs intercepted Nick Marshall twice and Auburn's offense did not score until early in the third quarter.
Auburn's defensive line
Auburn has improved greatly along the defensive line since the last meeting between these two teams, anchored by the strong play of Montravius Adams, Gabe Wright and LaDarius Owens. Auburn's defensive backs have intercepted a pass in three out of their four games this year and will look to put pressure on Brandon Harris next week.
Auburn will continue to rely heavily on the run against LSU. Nick Marshall and Cameron Artis-Payne should have big rushing games.
On paper, Auburn is the favorite to walk away with the win, but when SEC divisional rivals get together, anything can happen.
Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. CDT on ESPN. This will be the first of a brutal six-game stretch against ranked opponents for Auburn.
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