LSU Returns Home to Face Auburn in Week 7

LSU was able to bounce back with a road victory over Missouri, 49-39. The Tigers will be returning home in week seven to face off against Auburn as the SEC stretch continues into the month of October. Do not let the Vegas odds fool you of LSU being a double-digit favorite over Auburn, as this game always comes down to the end. Auburn will be fresh coming off of their bye week after providing the best punch it had against the No. 1 team in the country. It should be a special environment in Tiger Stadium as the game is officially sold out especially with it being under the lights.

LSU Gets Key Victory over Missouri:

LSU LB Whit Weeks (40) – Denny Medley/USA Today Sports

A week ago, the ‘sky was falling’ for this LSU team after an embarrassing defensive performance against Ole Miss. LSU quickly had to put that loss beside them as they had another road challenge against an undefeated Missouri team in Columbia. Even with it being at 11 a.m., the environment was electric. Brian Kelly elected to be aggressive at the start as the Tigers elected to receive the ball after winning the coin toss.

It would quickly backfire as LSU’s offense went three-and-out on their first offense possession. The floodgates would quickly open for Missouri as they were able to get out to an early 22-7 lead over LSU. Missouri was looking to run away with this game and it would send major question marks back to the LSU side. That was until LSU’s defense came away with a key turnover to flip the momentum. Harold Perkins came up with a huge interception and the LSU offense was able to come away with a touchdown to cut into the Missouri lead going into the half.

From there it was a back-and-forth battle as the offenses were starting to feel themselves. The player of the game had to go to Quarterback Jayden Daniels as he fought through a rib injury late in the game. Daniels was able to use his legs as he went on to rush for over 100 yards against the Missouri defense. The defense was also able to make some second-half adjustments as they were able to keep them in the ball game. A pick-six by Major Burns sealed the win for the Tigers and it was a much-needed one after a rocky start to the season.

LSU can only hope that their defense continues to improve every week as their offense continues to be the main story for this team. It was a great win for LSU to take down a talented Missouri team, but now the attention will turn to Auburn. The good news for LSU is that five of your next six games will be in Tiger Stadium.

Know Your Foe: Auburn

Auburn QB Payton Thorne (1) – Butch Dill/AP Photo

Auburn sits at 3-2 overall on the season and 0-2 in SEC play. Auburn is coming off a bye week and they will be fresh heading into their road test against LSU. The last time these two teams met was last season as LSU came away with a thrilling 21-17 win, but the last time Auburn came into Death Valley, they were able to come away with a victory snapping their drought of coming up short in Tiger Stadium.

Auburn is led by Michigan State transfer quarterback Payton Thorne. Thorne only had 82 passing yards in the contest against Georgia, but he was able to be effective in the running game. Thorne was Auburn’s leading rusher against Georgia as he had 12 carries for 97 yards. Hugh Freeze’s offense has had its ups and downs this season. Auburn’s pass offense is ranked at the bottom of the country as they rank 121st.

If Auburn is going to want to have a chance in this game, their passing attack will have to take advantage of an LSU secondary that also is having their struggles. The LSU secondary currently sits as the 121st pass defense in the country. Auburn also knows how to be effective on the ground as they are one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC.

On the defensive side of the ball, Auburn is only allowing 18.2 points per game, which ranks them 26th in the nation. Auburn will be the best defense that the LSU offense has faced so far. Auburn’s pass defense is only allowing six yards per pass attempt. This matchup is always a treat to watch and another chapter will be written on Saturday night.

Prediction: LSU 31, Auburn 23