Auburn gutted out a win over Mizzou in overtime last time out. It was the type of win that Bryan Harsin needed in a huge way because his job is basically on the line in each game. A win over a 3-1 LSU team that is playing decent football under Brian Kelly would be huge.
By Steve Wright
Follow @14powerscom
Here are the three keys to an Auburn win.
Better Quarterback Play
LSU might face a former Tiger this weekend if quarterback TJ Finley is healthy. If not – as against Mizzou – Robby Ashford will get the start. Whoever starts, the Auburn passing game hasn’t been good. The two quarterbacks have combined for just 800(ish) yards and two touchdowns passing. The bigger issue is the six combined interceptions that have been thrown. The worry is that the Auburn offensive line isn’t all that good right now. The LSU front seven will be attacking and trying to get to whoever is at quarterback so that protection will be key.
Get Tank Bigsby Going
Bigsby was supposed to be the star of the offense, but he hasn’t got going. He and Jarquez Hunter are a legitimate one-two punch, and their combined eight touchdowns through four games are impressive. The issue is that the yardage just hasn’t been there. Bigbsy has 281 yards on 57 carries. That is an acreage of 4.9 yards per carry, an impressive number given that he is running into stacked boxes on every down. Ashford (204 yards and a score) helps the running game more than the statuesque Finley, but Bigsby needs to be the focal point on Saturday.
Make LSU One Dimensional
LSU rushes the ball well. They are No. 28 in the nation running the ball and have been over 200 yards on the ground in the last three games. The Auburn offense hasn’t been good, but the defense – especially in the front seven – has been excellent. The defensive front clogs running lanes well, while 47 quarterback pressures through four games is impressive. Stopping a team with a mobile quarterback like Jayden Daniels – he leads the team in rushing – is more of an issue, but the defense has to be on point against the run to win here.
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