Two years ago, Bo Nix led Auburn back from a 13-0 deficit to beat LSU 24-19 for the War Eagles first victory in Tiger Stadium since 1999. Bryan Harsin was the head coach at Auburn and a couple of weeks later Ed Orgeron was told he was no longer wanted at LSU.
This has been a wild rivalry through the years, but because of conference alignment it’s unknown when these two teams will play again, so take it all in as Hugh Freeze brings an Auburn team into Death Valley that nearly upset Georgia two weeks ago.
Auburn has struggled on offense, but they can run the ball, averaging 202 yards a game. They don’t have a dominant back, Jarquez Hunter, is Auburn’s leading rusher, averaging four yards a carry.
But starting quarterback Payton Thorne can use his legs. He’s rushed for nearly 200 yards and had a 61-yard run against Georgia.
Auburn’s offense is based on RPOs (run-pass options) and they also run a bunch of counters and misdirection plays.
Robby Ashford, who started last year as a freshman and threw for 337 passing yards against LSU last year, will also get some snaps.
Thorne has really struggled to get the passing game going. He has not thrown for 100 yards in his last three games against Power 5 opponents. The Michigan State transfer only had 44 yards passing in a dismal loss to Texas A&M.
Jay Fair is the leading receiver with 18 catches. He’s on the small size, 5-10 186 pounds.
They do have a talented tight end in Rivaldo Fairweather. The transfer from FIU has 15 catches for 145 yards.
Former Rummel standout Koy Moore has just two catches this season.
On defense, one of Auburn’s top players is cornerback Jaylin Simpson. He already has four interceptions and he’s returned one for a touchdown. Simpson also has a fumble recovery, and you would think he’ll be matched up against Malik Nabers.
Veteran linebacker Eugene Asante is Auburn’s leading tackler. He has 35 tackles, and has four tackles for a loss, including a couple of sacks.
Coach Brian Kelly believes Auburn might have the best defensive line they’ve played this season. One of the leaders of this group is senior defensive tackle Marcus Harris. Harris had a huge game against Georgia with seven tackles.
Former Rummel Raider Donovan Kaufman is a leader in the defensive secondary. Kaufman forced a fumble in the LSU game last year and he’s forced two more this year.
Auburn’s field goal kicker Alex McPherson is a perfect 5-for-5 and has made a 53-yarder.
Cornerback Keionte Scott has returned a punt 56 yards this season and he’s averaging 19 yards on five punt returns. He’s missed the last couple of weeks with an ankle injury but is expected to play Saturday against LSU.