What a difference a week makes.
What a difference a week makes. This team now believes they can beat anyone, anywhere, at any time. They know this because we all watched it happen. That confidence comes as LSU arrives to town with a 5-2 record. Lane Kiffin was the victim of an emotional, vengeance fueled Ole Miss earlier this season, but that isn't the same LSU team that will come to Jordan-Hare this Saturday. LSU has substantially improved in the past few weeks, and Auburn finally looks like a team that believes it can win big time SEC games once again.
After losing two games earlier in the year, not as much attention has been paid to Kiffin's new squad, but now that so many other SEC teams have fallen LSU is as likely as any two loss team to make a run at the playoffs. QB Sam Leavitt has thrown for 1,785 yards this year and boasts an 82.8 QBR. His two favorite targets have consistently been Jackson Harris (456 yds) and Winston Watkins Jr. (447 yds). However another threat will return for LSU after a 3 game hiatus due to injury. Standout TE Trey'Dez Green will return this Saturday against Auburn. The 6'7 junior caught 14 passes for 222 yards in the first 3 games of the year. Containing the ALL-SEC tight-end will be a challenge. It will be important to limit explosive pass plays from LSU, but that is not the only way they can move the ball.
Kiffin has the LSU offense averaging over 40 points per game. They have converted 56 of their 105 3rd downs, and they have converted 10 of their 12 4th downs. LSU puts up 196 rush yards per game thanks in large part to Dilin Jones who averages 4.4 yards per carry. Only 8 other players in the nation have carried the ball more times than Jones this season. Auburn will face a truly balanced attack.
Auburn must disrupt Sam Leavitt early and often. When he is comfortable in the pocket, LSU moves the ball incredibly well. Auburn's defensive front will need to collapse the pocket and force Leavitt into quick decisions. Keeping him uncomfortable is a key to victory.
Byrum Brown will again be depended on to win this football game. Designed runs, read-options, and just good ole broken play scrambles are a major part of the Auburn offense lately. LSU is painfully aware of this. Alex Golesh and Joel Gordon will have to trust Byrum Brown to be the playmaker that he is.
This season suddenly feels a lot different after last week. The sentiment in the athletic facility this week is one of keeping our foot on the gas and extending last week's incredible play into this week. If Auburn protects the football again, and Sam Leavitt isn't allowed to find a rhythm, Auburn will be celebrating again on Saturday.
- Thomas Porter