Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

Plainsman Picks: Auburn versus LSU

In this weekly series, The Plainsman's sports staff brings you opinions and predictions about the upcoming Auburn football game.

Auburn travels to LSU this weekend, where it has not won since 1999. Here's what some of The Plainsman's sports staff said about the matchup, with their predictions.

Caleb Jones, Sports Editor (19-9): LSU 34-27

@calebjsports

"LSU is riding a road win against Mississippi State and is returning to Baton Rouge for a night game against a program that has yet to win in Death Valley in my lifetime. Meanwhile, Auburn hits the road following a near-disaster win over a 1-3 Georgia State team."

"That being said, it's not too difficult to pick LSU in this one. Quarterback Max Johnson has 15 passing touchdowns this season, which is tied for second-most in the nation. Georgia State averaged 9.8 yards per completion last week, so it's hard to imagine that Auburn is able to contain the passing attack enough to get the win."

Mattison Allen, Assistant Sports Editor (17-11): LSU 24-20

@mattcurtlynn

"It's going to be a battle of defenses. Both teams are in a downward spiral. LSU has pulled out an SEC win already, but it was by three to Mississippi State. The home Tigers are struggling running the ball and that is going to collapse against Auburn's defense. Auburn struggles on offense too, especially now with a question of who's going to be behind center." 

"LSU's defense is likely going to be missing Derek Stingley Jr., which will give Auburn the opportunity to score with Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. Overall, I think Auburn is shook up from the Georgia State drama and coaching issues. That combined with the Death Valley environment will give LSU the slightest edge it needs to bring home a win."

Henry Zimmer, Sports Reporter (14-14): LSU 24-17

@henryzimmer

"The LSU passing attack will overwhelm Auburn’s secondary. Kayshon Boutte will have a touchdown or two. Auburn’s lackluster offense continues and wont be able to keep pace with the home team."

Emily Porch, Sports Writer (9-19): Auburn 27-21

@writeremilycp

"I do think this is going to be a close game. Auburn beat LSU by a lot last year, and LSU has lost to the only ranked team they have played, same as Auburn. Either one of two things is going to happen: Auburn is going to keep riding the momentum it created in the fourth quarter against Georgia State, or its going to be timid and unsure of themselves and not play very well." 

"Even if Auburn does not score touchdowns in the red zone, it will still likely get a field goal thanks to Carlson’s leg. LSU also made the UCLA game kinda close, but it narrowly escaped Mississippi State last week, so it might be in the same boat as Auburn."

Noah Griffith, Sports Writer (0-0): Auburn 27-24

@NoahGri64368521

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Auburn Plainsman delivered to your inbox

"I expect this to be a close game that comes down to the final seconds. In the end, I think Auburn’s defense will find a way to make LSU one-dimensional on offense and then send the blitz, sack Max Johnson and force him to make bad decisions. I think TJ Finley will take over at quarterback and solidify his starting job with a game-winning drive, ending with a Carlson field goal."

Callie Stanford, Sports Writer (16-12): LSU 31-24

@stanford1callie

"Brodarious Hamm says the O-line is going to have a major impact this week, but I also think special teams will be a deciding factor. We've seen Anders' brother Daniel singlehandedly defeat LSU and Smoke Monday has proven time and time again that he can capitalize on weaknesses in key moments." 

"I think despite TJ [Finley]'s familiarity with the atmosphere and Bo [Nix]'s experience in high-pressure situations, regardless of who starts, this is not the year to break the curse. Auburn fights hard but LSU walks away with the late night win."

Eamon Smith, Sports Writer (18-10): LSU 23-20

@eamon615

"These two teams have a lot in common: shaky quarterback situations, offensive lines that rank towards the bottom of the SEC in most metrics and player grading systems, and mostly middling predicted results via SP+."

"The difference here is that LSU is playing at home. Death Valley at night is a daunting place for any team, let alone a group searching for an offensive identity now that 'just hand the ball to Tank Bigsby' hasn't been a path to success (mostly due to blocking and a lack of other offensive threats)." 

"If Auburn wants to take home its first victory in Baton Rouge since 1999, the wide receivers will need to step things up in the wake of Cornelius Williams being fired. It'll be a nail-biter, but I'm taking LSU."

Matthew Wallace, Sports Writer (17-11): Auburn 27-23

"The trip to Penn State will help Auburn in this game because it's have already played in one of college football's toughest environments. The Auburn secondary will be a key in this game as LSU only averages 80 rush yards per game."

"If Auburn's pass defense has fewer blown coverages and can get pressure on LSU quarterback Max Johnson, it will be tough for LSU to move the ball. This game could go either way, but Auburn will get their first win in Baton Rouge since 1999."

Ashley Birdsong, Sports Writer (14-14): LSU 34-28

@ashley_birdsong

"I think LSU will win because not only is it in Death Valley so it has home-field advantage, but with the uncertainty Auburn has with starting quarterback, LSU’s offense will be stronger on the pass rush. I’m sure it’ll be a close game and if Auburn doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, there could be a chance for the Tigers, but my bet is on LSU pulling it out in the fourth quarter."

Carl, LSU fan for one week only (13-15): LSU 28-17 

“It’s hard to win in Baton Rouge. It’s tough, I think it will be close, but LSU will pull it out. It gets loud down there.”


Share and discuss “Plainsman Picks: Auburn versus LSU” on social media.