The Auburn Plainsman got a chance to sit down with Christian Boutwell, sports editor at LSU's The Daily Reveille, to discuss Auburn's game against LSU from the other side of things.
Q. Auburn's had plenty of quarterback issues itself, but LSU's got a shakeup of its own. What prompted the change from Brandon Harris to Danny Etling, and how have things looked since Miles made the switch?
CB: After Brandon Harris completed 12 passes (two interceptions, one touchdown) against Wisconsin, Les Miles heard negative sentiments about LSU's passing offense from everyone from an entire week. It was a rough week for him as he only heard the complaints from fans about how LSU's offense is the same, stagnant, run-heavy offense with a weak passing game. Miles threw in Danny Etling after two failed drives from Harris against Jacksonville State. It's been all praise since then for Miles, Etling and LSU. He has a pocket presence Harris didn't seem to have and LSU's playbook has expanded since because of Etling's ability. So, to say the least, the swap has been working, it seems.
Q. Leonard Fournette is one of the best players in the country, and he's always given Auburn fits. However, Auburn's defense has been miles better than it was at this point last season. Do you foresee Fournette having any trouble against Auburn's D-line?
CB: This is a tough one. If there ever was a time for LSU's run game to struggle, it's this weekend. Clearly, Fournette can move the ball almost by himself, but his ankle isn't 100 percent after injuring it on LSU's final drive vs. Wisconsin. ESPN, during LSU-Mississippi State, reported Fournette's ankle was 100 percent and that he was "iffy" to play. The network declared the injury a high ankle sprain, so there's that. He practiced in full pads on Monday, and he's expected to be good-to-go against Auburn. But, LSU's offensive line is nicked up, too. Four starters went down against MSU, some of which sat out of practice yesterday, Miles said. So to recap, a hindered Fournette may be running behind a weakened offensive line.
Q. What matchup with Auburn scares LSU the most?
CB: Most interesting is LSU's unpredictable, "new" offense against Auburn's defense under former LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. I don't know if that matchup scares LSU, but, especially with former Auburn quarterback Dameyune Craig pitching in info about Auburn's personnel, I think a lot of things about building for LSU's offense against Auburn's defense to be something to keep an eye out for.
Q. What other matchups will dictate how this game will go?
CB: Has to be LSU's front seven against Auburn's quarterbacks. Auburn always seems to score a ton of points on LSU (see: 41-7 last time LSU played at Jordan-Hare). LSU is hanging "41-7" all around its practice facility as a reminder. So, I digress, but LSU's linebackers/defensive lineman will have to contain Auburn's offense, unlike it did two seasons ago).
Q. Last time LSU traveled to Auburn, they got stomped 41-7. Is there any revenge on the minds of LSU players, even with the smackdown they put on Auburn in Baton Rouge last year?
CB: Like I said, LSU has four characters, in dark, bold font, plastered on signs all around its practice facility: "41-7." LSU has not forgotten. Even the younger guys, who were not there for the 41-7 blowout, want revenge. I think LSU will be as fired up as it could be. LSU's historically not performed well against Auburn in Jordan-Hare, so we will see.
Q. How do you think the game this Saturday will shake out?
CB: Tough one, here. LSU cannot afford another loss, so between that and motivation for a win at Jordan-Hare — revenging what happened there two years ago — LSU seems to want this one. I don't expect a blowout, but I don't know how close it may be. Let's say LSU 31, Auburn 24.
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