Saturday will mark the 58th meeting between LSU and Auburn and it’s the last one for the foreseeable future as these two teams are scheduled not to play each other in 2024 for the first time since 1991.
Since that time this series has featured an earthquake, a barn-burning, cigar smoking on the field, LSU band members shoving Auburn kickers, Cam Newton doing Cam Newton things, Leonard Fournette trucking Auburn defenders, Matt Flynn to Demetrius Byrd, Jamie Howard's six interceptions, and the buyout bowl that resulted in Les Miles’ last game as coach at LSU.
LSU is an 11-point favorite, but something tells me that this game will be a little closer. Let’s have some fun with numbers to help preview this game.
119 versus 121
LSU has the 121st pass defense in the nation, and Auburn has the 119th pass offense. Something must give! The Tigers believe they are making progress in improving their defense, while LSU Coach Brian Kelly says Auburn can make plays through the air, they just choose to run the ball. You would think Auburn would like to test LSU’s shaky secondary.
Can Auburn eclipse 100 yards passing?
Auburn has 781 yards passing this season, while LSU receiver Malik Nabers has 771 receiving yards. Auburn starting quarterback Payton Thorne has yet to throw for more than 100 yards against a Power 5 team. That reminds me of the Les Miles’ days. But Thorne can throw. He had 65-hundred passing yards in three seasons at Michigan State.
Auburn wants to play a physical style of football, but Kelly knows they can burn you with the passing game too.
Is 0 starting to become a problem for opposing teams?
LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith, who wears jersey number 0, had his first sack of the season in last week’s win. Smith also had a season high four tackles. A very encouraging sign as LSU fans have been waiting for him to make an impact. Can we credit the hiring of former defensive line Pete Jenkins? Or is Smith finally rounding into form after tearing his ACL last year and battling an ankle injury in preseason camp.
Raider Pride 4X
There will be four players in this game that played at Rummel High School in Metairie. The two for LSU are running back Logan Diggs and cornerback Ashton Stamps. Diggs is the third leading rusher in the SEC and seems to be getting better every week.
Auburn has wide receiver Koy Moore, who only has two catches on the season. But receivers from Louisiana seem to have a field day against LSU this year. Florida State’s Keon Coleman and Ole Miss’ Tre Haris are examples A and B.
Former Rummel star and now Auburn defensive back Donovan Kaufman would look good in an LSU uniform right about now.
He was a Class 5A state defensive MVP and was the Division One state title game MVP in 2019. His performance against Catholic High in the 2019 title game is legendary. He had 11 tackles, forced a fumble that he recovered, had a nine-yard rushing touchdown, scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 95 yard kick off return and then sealed the victory with an interception. How is this guy not in purple and gold?
He’ll be in blue and orange on Saturday; and this season he has 19 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles.