LSU / Auburn

[GeauxTo]

It's LSU / Auburn week; possibly one of the biggest games of the decade. These two teams are pretty evenly matched in talent, size, speed, and depth (all arguable, of course). Who's going to win and why? Here are two reasons I think LSU will win:

1. Chemistry - This LSU team has the best chemistry I've seen in years.
2. Killer Instinct - Not even in the Saban years was it so prevalent.

[blues_cap]

i think lsu wins and it's not as close as people think.

1. au couldnt run against miss st...they do have a good front 7, but not as good as lsu's.

2. if au cant run, cox cant carry this team on his back. lsu's db's will be more than he has seen all year and he will not see another till florida.

3.lsu will be able to throw the ball(if their receivers can catch it) and will make some big plays through the air.

i say lsu 24-17.

[GeauxTo]

The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll lists Auburn at No. 3 in the country, LSU at No. 6. That means the two sets of Tigers will meet with higher combined rankings Saturday than in any previous game in the history of the emerging rivalry.

The only top-10 (AP) matchup between LSU and Auburn was in 1972. Eighth-ranked LSU defeated ninth-ranked Auburn 35-7.

LSU’s highest ranking for a game against Auburn was in 2004. Fourteenth-ranked Auburn, on its way to an undefeated season, defeated fifth-ranked LSU 10-9.


That was the most recent matchup between the teams in Auburn, Ala., where they will meet again at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (CBS).


Auburn’s highest ranking for a game against LSU was in 1988. Unranked LSU defeated fourth-ranked Auburn 7-6 in what has become known as the Earthquake Game.


LSU’s No. 6 ranking is two spots higher than in last week’s AP poll. Auburn’s No. 3 ranking represents a climb of one spot.

Auburn remained No. 4 in the USA Today Top 25 coaches poll. LSU climbed one spot to No. 7.

[GeauxTo]

Miles embraces rivalry

The game Saturday has all the trappings of a big-time event and should remind fans of the atmosphere surrounding LSU’s 13-10 overtime victory at Alabama last season. In what was the first top-five matchup in Bryant-Denny Stadium history, fifth-ranked LSU won a thriller against third-ranked Alabama.

LSU coach Les Miles seems to embrace rivalry games, including his days at Oklahoma State in matchups against Oklahoma. High stakes add to the appeal, he said.

“You look forward to playing an opponent in a game that really counts,” Miles said. “This one really counts.”


The winner of the LSU-Auburn game has played in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game four of the last five seasons.

“As much as it’s just one in the standings,” Miles said, “it’s a very big one.”

He said a marquee matchup such as this one tends to give game week a different feel.

“You want to play your best against your best opponents,” Miles said.

LSU leads the series with Auburn 21-18-1. The home team has won the last six.

[roosterbooster]

I think the better defense will win and I think that is because of the DB's. I don't think AU has anyone these guys can't cover one on one and that will allow them to jam the box to stop the run. I still think it is going to be close enough that one mistake by either team can change the outcome though.

[GTTiger]

I really can't wait for this weekend. LSU should win if they can limit Irons to around 100 yards rushing. LSU will also need to get some type of running game together to open up the field for Russell.

[GeauxTo]

LSU healthy heading into week

Miles said he expects senior tight end Keith Zinger back at practice today. Zinger was not in uniform Saturday because of an undisclosed stomach condition, Miles said. “He’s had a good weekend, I’m told,” Miles said.

Starting offensive tackle Peter Dyakowski, who was wearing a cast Sunday, should be back after suffering a broken finger, Miles said.

Miles said LSU is mostly healthy for the Auburn game. “I don’t think there is anything that’s going to stop our guys from playing,” Miles said. “It was a pretty physical game. We played hard. I think there will be some guys limited in practice on Monday but few, if any, on Tuesday and Wednesday.”


Russell playing at full speed

Miles said he enjoyed seeing quarterback JaMarcus Russell rush four times for 23 yards. “He appears to have better foot speed and looks in better shape than he’s been,” Miles said. “He appears to me that he has more ability there.”

Russell seemed energized to be free of the injuries that hampered him in the second half of last season. “It feels great to be healthy,” Russell said. “You can just go out and do a lot and not worry about trying to baby-fy [sic] nicks and nacks [sic]. “You can just go out there and turn your hat back and play.”

[GeauxTo]

Tuberville Admits To Looking Ahead To LSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Even coaches daydream about next week.

No. 3 Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville admitted to letting his mind stray Saturday to the upcoming Southeastern Conference West Division showdown with sixth-ranked LSU early in his Tigers’ 34-0 shutout of Mississippi State.

Asked when he started thinking about LSU, Tuberville said: “At 14 to nothing.”

At that point, the Tigers still had more than 40 minutes of football to play against the Bulldogs, but LSU will make the mind wander.

“You always have them in the back of your mind,” Tuberville said. “You know you have to beat them and I’m sure in the back of their mind it’s the same thing. We’ve had some great games over the past couple of years. Hopefully we can make a game out of this one.”

The Bulldogs defense offered the Tigers all the challenge they needed on the way to their 18th win in their last 19 conference games. Mississippi State snapped tailback Kenny Irons’ streak of seven consecutive 100-yard games in the regular season, and slowed the offense in the first half.

But a handful of mistakes on offense and special teams allowed Auburn to pull away and secure a rare SEC shutout. The team has had three in conference play this century. Two have come against the Bulldogs in the last two seasons.

Tuberville said Auburn’s slow start might have been self-inflicted as coaches tried to prove their team’s toughness.

“We got a little bit hardheaded in the first half,” Tuberville said. “We kept running it instead of throwing it. They were giving us some throws, but we just wanted it to be a little more physical and prove a point.”

That philosophy also left a little mystery surrounding the Auburn offense.

“We opened it up a little more, but we were still pretty vanilla,” quarterback Brandon Cox said.

After rushing for 40 yards and two touchdowns, Brad Lester gave a hint about the direction he believes the offense should go. He thinks the Auburn backfield is big enough to hold both him and Irons.

“If they had us both out there at the same time, it would be real hard to stop,” he said. “Hopefully that will happen in the future.”

[GeauxTo]

From the Opelika-Auburn News
STARKVILLE, Miss. - OK, so Auburn couldn’t run. At least not early.
But does it matter? Does it matter when you can throw? A lot? To wide open receivers? To Courtney Taylor? Nine times?
Does it matter when you can play defense?
Does it matter how you win? Really? Does it?
Not to Auburn.
In case you missed it, the Tigers are all about winning. It’s not a beauty contest … there are no paintings on the scorecard … they don’t ask you how, they ask you how many - you know all of that.
But there is something called confidence. And Auburn got that as well Saturday in its 34-0 win over Mississippi State.
When the Bulldogs took away X, the Tigers went to Z. With Kenny Irons wearing an ‘X’ on his chest, quarterback Brandon Cox went to his ‘Z’ receiver … Taylor.
It might not have been pretty, but Auburn learned a lot about its offense Saturday. The Tigers learned when their bread and butter is stale, it’s time for some toast and jam. Time for Brad Lester and Rodgeriqus Smith.
“When you start from Point A, you have to get to B, C and D before you can get to F,” AU head coach Tommy Tuberville said.
More letters.
So what’s it all spell?
Balance.
And coming into their biggest game of the season next weekend against LSU, the Tigers had to scour the cupboard for it. They had to find it - running, passing and defensively.
“We’ve been trying to prove a point to our players on what we need to do,” Tuberville said. “If we need to go out and play smash-mouth ball, I think we’ve gotten better at that.
“We’re to the point now, we’re going to have to balance up a little bit.”
And, eventually, the Tigers did.
LSU is now on the docket, and AU started its preparation Saturday. Actually, for Tuberville, it started with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
“It’s always in the back of your mind,” he said about facing LSU. “Usually, the team that wins this game next week goes to Atlanta.”
Inconsistency on the offensive line won’t work against the Bayou Bengals. Missed reads, missed blocks, under-thrown balls will only beat teams like Mississippi State.
The Tigers need to get better.
You know that. I know that. Tommy Tuberville knows that.
It’s obvious.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then,” Tuberville said. “We can’t afford mistakes.”
Taking nothing away from Mississippi State ... but, come on, it’s Mississippi State.
It’s the game the Tigers circle on their calendar, not only because it’s been their first SEC game for the past three seasons, but because it’s a tune up for things to come. Namely LSU.
Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium was the testing site in that 2004 season - the same season where they came back the next week and beat LSU at home. Saturday, Starkville, again, served that purpose.
Auburn struggled. Auburn stumbled. Auburn staggered. In a game the Tigers shouldn’t have even perspired, they sweated bullets. And almost shot themselves with some, too.
Goal-line fumble, anybody?
But Auburn recovered.
And won.
“It was a good game for us,” Tuberville said. “But we know we’ve got the biggest one of the year coming up.”
Points L, S and U.
MIKE SZVETITZ is sports editor of the Opelika-Auburn News. He may be reached at mszvetitz@oanow.com (mszvetitz@oanow.com) or 737-2513.

[shanksta13]

Everyone on here so far has made great points, but I have to say that the best and probably most important was made by roosterbooster.

I think the better defense will win and I think that is because of the DB's. I don't think AU has anyone these guys can't cover one on one and that will allow them to jam the box to stop the run. I still think it is going to be close enough that one mistake by either team can change the outcome though.

LSU's secondary is the strongest secondary in the nation. They are fast, they read well and they are absolutely brutal hitters. They have three of the best cover corners and safeties in college football and that should be the difference in this game. LSU will stack the box early and force Auburn to beat them through the air. But trust me, Bo Pellini will not just be content to stick men in the box to stuff the run. He will blitz like you have never seen blitzing before. LSU will give Brandon Cox so many different looks and so many different players flying at him that I think he will be forced into mistakes. The only reason this will backfire for LSU is if they, for whatever reason, cannot stop Irons. Irons ran all over LSU last year and broke tackles that you would have sworn Superman could not have broken. But this is this year. The LSU Defense will be SICK.

I have to go with the Tigers of LSU on this one. I think they have the edge in WRs, QBs, and DBs. The other positions are pretty much even. I think it will be a close game, but probably closer than the score will indicate. I think LSU could win this one by as many as 14 points.

[GeauxTo]

Brandon Cox from the Montgomery Advertiser...

Early-season wins against the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Washington State didn't test Auburn.

LSU will.

"Six days from now, we're going to play a game that everybody will remember for the rest of their lives," Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox said. "This is why you come here. This is what you train for all summer, these types of games."

[GTTiger]

I think that Washington State and Miss St. were a better test than Zona and La.Laf., but both teams had no problems with either.

LSU has has more turnovers than I'd like to see. They need to hold onto the ball this week.

[BamaMatt]

This and TN/FL are going to be huge games this weekend, looking forward to watching them.

I think Auburn will pull out a close one against LSU.

[GeauxTo]

GLENN GUILBEAU: Enough of the appetizers, time for LSU-Auburn
BATON ROUGE -- In these days of multi-tasking, it's about time college football coaches admitted they are indeed not taking one game at a time anymore.

Last week, LSU coach Les Miles and defensive coordinator Bo Pelini tested a new, three-man front defense against Louisiana-Lafayette in order to better use it against Florida on Oct. 7.


This week, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville admitted that he started thinking about Saturday's 2:30 p.m. Auburn-LSU game during his team's 34-0 win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

"Oh, when it was about 14-0," Tuberville said to the LSU question after the State game. "You've always got them in the back of your mind because we know we have to beat them. I'm sure it's in the back of their mind because they know it's the same thing. There have been some great games over the years."LSU was in the back of Tuberville's mind months ago when he hired former LSU defensive coordinator Will Muschamp away from Nick Saban and the Dolphins to be his new defensive coordinator. Muschamp knows LSU.

Miles has had Auburn on his mind as he has gradually brought tailback Alley Broussard along from his knee surgeries of last year. No sense hurrying Broussard for Louisiana-Lafayette or Arizona. Broussard will be ready Saturday, and he'll be the featured back.

The winner of this CBS September SEC Super Bowl will likely have a great season and have a good chance at the Bowl Championship Series national championship game. The loser could have a very good season, but the odds of getting to the BCS title game will greatly decrease. With that on the line, human nature kicks in. You look ahead.The loser of this game has never made it to the SEC Championship Game. The winner has made it there in five of the last six seasons. Win it, your season builds. Lose it, your season has to rebuild.

This game is all about the tiebreaker.

If LSU wins, it could stand a loss at Florida or at Tennessee and still make the SEC title game because of the tiebreaker. If LSU loses, Auburn would have to lose twice for LSU to have a chance at Atlanta. Auburn has an easier schedule this year than LSU. Its only remaining road games are at South Carolina, Ole Miss and at Alabama, which just can't beat Auburn anymore no matter where and won't this year.

Auburn could manage a loss next week better than LSU could because LSU still has those trips to Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas, where it has won only once in the last four games.

Should LSU somehow get by Auburn, though, suddenly those next three road trips will not look as daunting. Auburn and LSU already look like the best two teams in the SEC and both are probably top five teams nationally.

Should LSU somehow beat Auburn, it would zoom up in the rankings and then have two weeks to tune up for the trip to Florida at home against the likes of Tulane and Mississippi State. Should it then get by Florida, which it has defeated twice in a row in "The Swamp," LSU would be 6-0 with two weeks at home for Kentucky and Fresno State before the trip to Rocky Top.

Things could get fun, but it all starts at 2:30 Saturday at Auburn, where LSU has not won since 1998.

Surely, Miles was thinking of Auburn Saturday night as his team built a quick 17-0 lead and jogged to a 45-3 win. It was another Pac-10 game at the beach. One's mind wanders at the beach. No one mentioned Auburn to Miles before he brought it up after the "game."

"I liked the outing," Miles said, which was all it was. "We need to get better and take our best effort with us to Auburn. We felt like we had some matchup advantages (vs. Arizona). Next week will be a little bit more of a challenge."

You think?

The appetizers are out of the way for both teams. They've had their fun in the Pac-10. It's time. Perhaps never have each of these teams been better at the same time. It's time.

"You look forward to playing an opponent in a game that really counts, and this one really counts," Miles said. "We look forward to going to Auburn. It's going to be a great test. There isn't any question, you look forward to these games. You want to play your best against your best opponents. As much as it's just one in the standings, it's a very big one."

[WDavE]

I think the better defense will win and I think that is because of the DB's. I don't think AU has anyone these guys can't cover one on one and that will allow them to jam the box to stop the run. I still think it is going to be close enough that one mistake by either team can change the outcome though.

No offense to you but Auburn has two of the better cover corners in the league. Irons and Wilhite

Washington St. returned their starting QB and receivers from 2005.

That year they ranked 11th in total passing with 381 attempts with 216 completions. 3050 yards and 25 TD's.
Their best receiver Jason Hill had in 2005, 62 receptions for 1097 yards and 13 TD's. Iron played him man to man all game long. He had four catches for 18 yards in our game.

Washington state finished the game with less then 150 yards passing.

Our problem area if we have one is with the young safeties.

[roosterbooster]

No offense to you but Auburn has two of the better cover corners in the league. Irons and Wilhite

Washington St. returned their starting QB and receivers from 2005.

That year they ranked 11th in total passing with 381 attempts with 216 completions. 3050 yards and 25 TD's.
Their best receiver Jason Hill had in 2005, 62 receptions for 1097 yards and 13 TD's. Iron played him man to man all game long. He had four catches for 18 yards in our game.

Washington state finished the game with less then 150 yards passing.

Our problem area if we have one is with the young safeties.

Not taking away from your corners, that will not be your problem. You don't have a lot of experience at safety and lost something at LB. Also I think your biggest defensive weakness is depth at DT. I think that lack of depth at tackle may expose very athletic but undersized LB's causing problems. I think LSU will take away the pass with their DB's and stack the box much like GT did a few years back. I think this will cause you problems. That said Auburn is a great football team and one LSU mistake or a couple of flat offensive or defensive series could put you over the top.

[volimhtown]

It's LSU / Auburn week; possibly one of the biggest games of the decade. These two teams are pretty evenly matched in talent, size, speed, and depth (all arguable, of course). Who's going to win and why? Here are two reasons I think LSU will win:

1. Chemistry - This LSU team has the best chemistry I've seen in years.
2. Killer Instinct - Not even in the Saban years was it so prevalent.

GeauxTo, as usual, I love the entertainment value of your posts, but how have you evaded the authorities this long?? "possibly one of the biggest games of the decade"??? :whistle: Well, why stop at decade?? How about biggest game in 14 years???....maybe even 15!!! This is a big game for sure, but let's lay off of the Big Game Viagra pills. It's too early in this season and neither team has been tested to make such claims.
Secondly, how have you come to the conclusion that "chemistry" and "killer instinct" are the over-riding strengths of this team and is the edge that LSU has over Auburn?? Two wins over inferior talent has no less than 40-50 NCAA teams thinking the same thing about themselves, so what makes LSU's feelings more truthful than others?? Seems to be a pretty bold statement considering those two traits were arguably LSU's biggest weaknesses just a season ago. I know it's a new year and new team, but would love to hear justification of those statements simply based on wins over the Cajuns and Cats!!
GO VOLS!!

[WDavE]

Not taking away from your corners, that will not be your problem. You don't have a lot of experience at safety and lost something at LB. Also I think your biggest defensive weakness is depth at DT. I think that lack of depth at tackle may expose very athletic but undersized LB's causing problems. I think LSU will take away the pass with their DB's and stack the box much like GT did a few years back. I think this will cause you problems. That said Auburn is a great football team and one LSU mistake or a couple of flat offensive or defensive series could put you over the top.

Again not to start a fight with you but part of your statement is not correct.

DT's and NG

Josh Thompson
Pat Sims
Sen'Derrick Marks
Tez Doolittle
Chris Browder

In the first two games this group has 6.6 sacks and 8.0 tackles for a loss between them. I don't see another SEC team having any more in numbers in the way of stats nor depth.

I agree with your LB comment to a degree but you also have to remember that we have two starting LB's still suspended.

[roosterbooster]

Again not to start a fight with you but part of your statement is not correct.


Not gonna start a fight with me. I don't have a pony in the race. Just stating what I see from an unbiased perspective. But for what it's worth our D-Line whipped MSU's as well but I don't think we hold our own with LSU's rushing offense. We were soft in the middle against UGA. I am not going to pretend to know anything about WSU by going out and finding some useless. I still think the game comes down to who protects the football and gets the breaks. Both of you have great teams. Good luck.

[TigerFanatic]

just something to bring up, say what you want about what teams we've played this year, cause were not the only school with 2 cupcakes, but LSU is leading the SEC in scoring right now, and we haven't allowed a touchdown since december of last year, yet were still overrated...

yes. i'm calling washington and state cupcakes, but thats another discussion

[GTTiger]

I agree with your LB comment to a degree but you also have to remember that we have two starting LB's still suspended.

I believe they are still suspended this weekend to.

[Jay Bee]

Not taking away from your corners, that will not be your problem. You don't have a lot of experience at safety and lost something at LB. Also I think your biggest defensive weakness is depth at DT. I think that lack of depth at tackle may expose very athletic but undersized LB's causing problems. I think LSU will take away the pass with their DB's and stack the box much like GT did a few years back. I think this will cause you problems. That said Auburn is a great football team and one LSU mistake or a couple of flat offensive or defensive series could put you over the top.


You obviously are not familiar with the phenomena that is known as Greg Smith?
He didn't get on campus until classes began. 6'5" a bisquit short of 350lbs. They say his tears cure cancer, but alas he never cries. He doesn't do push ups, he pushes the earth down. Be forewarned!

WDE!
jb

[roosterbooster]

You obviously are not familiar with the phenomena that is known as Greg Smith?
He didn't get on campus until classes began. 6'5" a bisquit short of 350lbs. They say his tears cure cancer, but alas he never cries. He doesn't do push ups, he pushes the earth down. Be forewarned!

WDE!
jb

:ohmy: :ohmy: :ohmy:

Yup, telling me about the JUCO kid who just showed up is a sure sign of a depth problem. And yes I know how highly rated he is.

[Jay Bee]

:ohmy: :ohmy: :ohmy:

Yup, telling me about the JUCO kid who just showed up is a sure sign of a depth problem. And yes I know how highly rated he is.

But of course. How about Jake Ricks first snap at DT this past weekend. Picked up a fumble and rumbled 60 yards. Guess he should have scored, eh?


WDE!
jb

[AUTiger94]

You call me out if I'm wrong but i'm going to go ahead and say it. We will run the ball on LSU and we will pass. Reason? Vanilla will not be the flavor of the week and Our O-line is better than their D-line.

[roosterbooster]

But of course. How about Jake Ricks first snap at DT this past weekend. Picked up a fumble and rumbled 60 yards. Guess he should have scored, eh?


WDE!
jb

I bet the phenomenon that is Greg Smith would have.

[Jay Bee]

I bet the phenomenon that is Greg Smith would have.

Dang, you catch on quick!

WDE!
jb

[razorhead]

It's a great game from a Hog fan's perspective because one of these teams has to lose. Most of us detest LSU, and while not many Arkansas fans care that much about Auburn we do all hate Tuberville.

I look for LSU to win a close one. Winning score of around 21-17.

[shanksta13]

Anyone know for sure if Blackmon and the other LB are still suspended for this game?

[OleMissPike]

LSU get's outcoached and Auburn wins; Auburn has a much better staff top to bottom.

[shanksta13]

LSU get's outcoached and Auburn wins; Auburn has a much better staff top to bottom.

OC - yes / HC - yes / DC - I'd take Pellini / ST - LSU

[AUFootball24]

i think lsu wins and it's not as close as people think.

1. au couldnt run against miss st...they do have a good front 7, but not as good as lsu's.




We ran for 111 yards....

I mean come on, we cant put up 200 every week!

Keep in mind, Kenny ran for 218 yards BY HIMSELF against LSU last year

[shanksta13]

Keep in mind, Kenny ran for 218 yards BY HIMSELF against LSU last year


Unfortunately for you guys, I think just about everyone remembers that, including LSU. KI will be running with an ENORMOUS taget on his back. Hopefully he can make it out alive against the hard hitting LSU Tigers.

[ColonelKurtz]

Lots of nuances in this one to mull over but the bottom line is that the meetings recently have come down to the wire.

In games like this, I tend to favor the home team particularly when all things seem equal. Both teams have potent O's, tough D's, and plenty of talent, so it boils down to the intangibles: mistakes and turnovers.

Both Coaching staffs are solid and are pretty well acquainted with each other and their styles, so the chess match between them will be very compelling stuff. Gotta go with Auburn at home in another nail biter.

[azamugg]

Lots of nuances in this one to mull over but the bottom line is that the meetings recently have come down to the wire.

In games like this, I tend to favor the home team particularly when all things seem equal. Both teams have potent O's, tough D's, and plenty of talent, so it boils down to the intangibles: mistakes and turnovers.

Both Coaching staffs are solid and are pretty well acquainted with each other and their styles, so the chess match between them will be very compelling stuff. Gotta go with Auburn at home in another nail biter.


smart...........any picker knows when its even to go with the home team, really home gives you a 4 point edge and I think LSU is a about -3 so I'd give Auburn a -1 edge

[Jay Bee]

Anyone know for sure if Blackmon and the other LB are still suspended for this game?

from the Mobile paper:

http://www.al.com/sports/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/sports/1157966194307430.\
xml&coll=3

Sears, Blackmon out for LSU clash
Monday, September 11, 2006

By EVAN WOODBERY
Sports Reporter


AUBURN -- Suspended linebackers Kevin Sears and Tray Blackmon won't be back for this weekend's showdown against LSU, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said on Sunday.

Both Sears and Blackmon said they have no idea when they will return and that Tuberville has said nothing to them about their suspensions.

The two linebackers' status "hasn't changed," Tuberville said in brief and
sometimes cryptic comments to reporters Sunday afternoon.

Before the season, Tuberville said the linebackers would be out for "several"
games, but he has offered no details and avoided commenting on the lengths of their suspensions.

[zorak34]

i think lsu wins and it's not as close as people think.

1. au couldnt run against miss st...they do have a good front 7, but not as good as lsu's.

2. if au cant run, cox cant carry this team on his back. lsu's db's will be more than he has seen all year and he will not see another till florida.

3.lsu will be able to throw the ball(if their receivers can catch it) and will make some big plays through the air.

i say lsu 24-17.

1. It is really hard to run against a d that stacked 8 to 9 people in the box almost every play.

2. If LSU wants to stack the box all night let them because Cox will pick them apart.

3. AU D kept a WSU passing offense the ranked really high in pass O last year to under 200 passing. Not to forget our outstanding pass rush D and good secondary.

[shanksta13]

1. It is really hard to run against a d that stacked 8 to 9 people in the box almost every play.

2. If LSU wants to stack the box all night let them because Cox will pick them apart.

3. AU D kept a WSU passing offense the ranked really high in pass O last year to under 200 passing. Not to forget our outstanding pass rush D and good secondary.

I agree with points 1 and 3, but I feel that LSU's secondary is good enough to load the box and not get beat big. Auburn may grab a decent gain here and there, but that is acceptable. Kenny Irons rushing for 218 yards simply is not. Stopping the run will be LSU's #1 priority I would bet my head on it. Priority #2 will be to blitz the &*%^ out of Brandon Cox and force him to turn the ball over. I guarantee you that will be LSU's gameplan.

[OleMissPike]

OC - yes / HC - yes / DC - I'd take Pellini / ST - LSU

I think I'd go with Will Muschamp as a better DC for Auburn; don't forget he was the DC at LSU from '01-'04, was responsible for one of the best defenses the SEC has ever seen in the 2003 National Champ D (#1 in scoring and total defense), and only left because he went with Saban to be assistant head coach for defense with the Dolphins (where the Dolphin D was 7th in yards per play, 7th in yards per rush, and 9th in yards per pass). There are quite a few players he coached still on LSU's D and he's going to know their weaknesses. I think that's definately an edge for Auburn. Pelini isn't a bad coach by any means, but he just hasn't had the success Muschamp has.

[shanksta13]

I think I'd go with Will Muschamp as a better DC for Auburn; don't forget he was the DC at LSU from '01-'04, was responsible for one of the best defenses the SEC has ever seen in the 2003 National Champ D (#1 in scoring and total defense), and only left because he went with Saban to be assistant head coach for defense with the Dolphins (where the Dolphin D was 7th in yards per play, 7th in yards per rush, and 9th in yards per pass). There are quite a few players he coached still on LSU's D and he's going to know their weaknesses. I think that's definately an edge for Auburn. Pelini isn't a bad coach by any means, but he just hasn't had the success Muschamp has.

I agree that Muschamps is a great DC. It's very hard to compare them because the defenses that they have produced at LSU look very similar. I just think Pellini likes to blitz more than Muschamps. I'm definitely going out on a limb here because LSU's NC team was one of the best blitzing teams ever with Marcus Spears, Chad Lavalais and Marquis Hill to anchor the D-Line. But I think Pellini does a slightly better job of mixing up where the blitzes are coming from than Muschamps does. Both are top DC's in the end, but I prefer Pellini.

Geaux, I'd be interested to know what you thought on this.

[Foxman]

Tough Call. Dang, this is going to be a game. Defense and running the rock are key.

Right now I like Auburn. But by a fieldgoal. Maybe in OT.

[GeauxTo]

Geaux, I'd be interested to know what you thought on this.
Muschamp is outstanding, no doubt. But, Pelini seems to be very good, too. One thing to remember, Jimbo Fisher worked with Muschamp, so while Muschamp will have an inside track on the offensive scheme's of LSU, Fisher will have an inside track on how Muschamp will defend against those schemes. Also, Jimbo worked at Auburn once upon a time, so he knows some of their inside stuff.

If the Arizona game was any indicator, Bo Pelini's defense really gets after it. They give multiple looks, are blazing fast, and they hit like Mack trucks. He teaches them to go full speed, whistle to whistle. It's looking like the game will be one of the most brutal, physical slobberknockers of all time. And, as I said earlier, several have reported on the excellent chemistry this team has; that counts for a lot.

[OleMissPike]

Muschamp is outstanding, no doubt. But, Pelini seems to be very good, too. One thing to remember, Jimbo Fisher worked with Muschamp, so while Muschamp will have an inside track on the offensive scheme's of LSU, Fisher will have an inside track on how Muschamp will defend against those schemes. Also, Jimbo worked at Auburn once upon a time, so he knows some of their inside stuff.

If the Arizona game was any indicator, Bo Pelini's defense really gets after it. They give multiple looks, are blazing fast, and they hit like Mack trucks. He teaches them to go full speed, whistle to whistle. It's looking like the game will be one of the most brutal, physical slobberknockers of all time. And, as I said earlier, several have reported on the excellent chemistry this team has; that counts for a lot.
I respect that and Pelini is a great coach, but no homer is going to admit the other team's coach is better right before the big game. You've gotta give me that. . .

[GeauxTo]

GeauxTo, as usual, I love the entertainment value of your posts, but how have you evaded the authorities this long?? "possibly one of the biggest games of the decade"??? :whistle: Well, why stop at decade?? How about biggest game in 14 years???....maybe even 15!!! This is a big game for sure, but let's lay off of the Big Game Viagra pills. It's too early in this season and neither team has been tested to make such claims.
Secondly, how have you come to the conclusion that "chemistry" and "killer instinct" are the over-riding strengths of this team and is the edge that LSU has over Auburn?? Two wins over inferior talent has no less than 40-50 NCAA teams thinking the same thing about themselves, so what makes LSU's feelings more truthful than others?? Seems to be a pretty bold statement considering those two traits were arguably LSU's biggest weaknesses just a season ago. I know it's a new year and new team, but would love to hear justification of those statements simply based on wins over the Cajuns and Cats!!
GO VOLS!!
Of course living in Houston and being a Vol fan makes you suspect from the get go. Two top ten teams, both in the same conference, meetin this early? Yep, definitely a big game! Team chemistry? Yep, it's good and it makes them a "team." Killer instinct? I don't know if you saw any of the Arizona game, but I was there and I can tell you the hits were brutal, the gang tackling was brutal, the "ball hawking" tendencies were tenacious, and they went hard whistle to whistle. Arizona had a first down inside the 5 late in the 4th quarter against our 3rd and 4th stringers and couldn't make a TD; had to settle for a FG. Auburn is good, definitely. But, LSU is good too, definitely.

If I were you I'd be worrying about us coming into Neyland later... we're not Cal and we're not Air Force, as you shall see.

[AceLeroy]

A few weeks back I said that I didn't think that LSU could win at AUB.

Well , I am changing my tune. I think LSU DOES win this game.

AUB beat my Dogs 34-0. However , I did see some things from my Buldogs that I think LSU could expose. Our freshman RB made some pretty good runs behind an MSU O-line that isn't even in the same galaxy as the LSU O-line.

The MSU defense gave AUB some problems , again LSU will be even better.

My pick.......LSU wins this one 27-20.

[AFWarrior83]

I picked LSU only because they are so loaded, and they will play Auburn tough at War Eagle.

[k_chapp]

all this talk about AU not running the ball, having to settle for passes but nothing deep. Whatever. Where is LSU's far superior running game? What do you suppose is going to keep us from pressuring the living crap our of Russel? Would you have me believe that LSU's line is so great that even without a potent running game that they can keep our D line off balance and off the QB? If I am wrong I will gladly acknowledge it come sunday. In the meantime, Geaux, take your ball hawking and killer instinct, and put it where the sun don't shine. WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

[GTTiger]

all this talk about AU not running the ball, having to settle for passes but nothing deep. Whatever. Where is LSU's far superior running game? What do you suppose is going to keep us from pressuring the living crap our of Russel? Would you have me believe that LSU's line is so great that even without a potent running game that they can keep our D line off balance and off the QB? If I am wrong I will gladly acknowledge it come sunday. In the meantime, Geaux, take your ball hawking and killer instinct, and put it where the sun don't shine. WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

I think the belief is that Auburn's offense will far apart without a significant running game, while LSU's offense is more pass oriented. LSU will run a bit in order to open up the passing game, but Auburn will pass a bit to open up the run. That's the difference in my opinion.

[WDavE]

This will be decided upfront and I mean on both sides of the ball.

Maybe it's being a homer. I like our O-line against the LSU D-line.
Then I see LSU's O-line as being better then our D-Line.

Judging by the margin between the two lines.
My pick: Auburn by a very small margin.

[blues_cap]

We ran for 111 yards....

I mean come on, we cant put up 200 every week!

Keep in mind, Kenny ran for 218 yards BY HIMSELF against LSU last year

if you run for 111 this week you will most likely lose. like i said, until he proves me wrong, i dont think you can put a game on cox's back.

im not dogging auburn, you may be the class of the sec....but like i said, while efficient, im not sure cox can beat a team like lsu w/o a running game.

[blues_cap]

1. It is really hard to run against a d that stacked 8 to 9 people in the box almost every play.

2. If LSU wants to stack the box all night let them because Cox will pick them apart.

3. AU D kept a WSU passing offense the ranked really high in pass O last year to under 200 passing. Not to forget our outstanding pass rush D and good secondary.

1. i know it is hard to run against 8 or 9, that's why i said i dont think cox can beat this secondary. that's also why i dont think au will run(i didnt think they could run last year either, so that shows what i know).

2. see above.

3. sorry bro, lsu aint washington state. as far as them ranking high is passing, every pac team does. ask tennessee how tight coverage is in that conference.

personally, i couldnt care less who wins but imo, lsu has fewer question marks.

[absolutebama]

LSU @Aubarn right? D%mn near got jail time for a incorrect post earlier this week!

Anyway,

Big, Big, Big Big, game for both teams winner plays BAMA for the Division title, right?

Both of these squads are super talented and most definitely locked and loaded for the battle on Saturday! Kenny Irons has proven to be the class act in the league running the ball and the Barn D is as selfish as ever, so Tuberville has his team ready!

Flip side:

LSU is freakin loaded, I mean geeze are they cloning All American's down there or what? Their skill positions from top to bottom are so talented that realistically it doesn't get much better.

Jimbo Fisher has proven to be the best most consistent Offensive mind in the conference in the league over the past 6-7 years, their defense speaks for itself and obviously Les Smiles is not as dumb as everyone wishes he was....so the bayou bengals ready to rumble as well.....man this is going to be a game!

It has got to come down to turnovers and time of possession...LSU, maybe!

RTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[GeauxTo]

man this is going to be a game!

Very nice post, absolute!
:thumbs:

LSU QUICK NOTES
LSU has won both of its games by identical scores of 45-3 ... The Tigers are ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (3.0), second in pass defense (90.0 ypg) and third in total defense (164.0 ypg) ... LSU has converted 15-of-23 third-down conversions (65.2 percent) ... LSU has converted 34 straight trips to the red zone (26 touchdowns, eight field goals) ... The Tigers have not allowed an offensive touchdown in their last 14 quarters ... WR Dwayne Bowe's 16 career touchdown catches are the most of any active SEC player ... QB JaMarcus Russell needs 55 yards passing to become the seventh player in LSU history to reach 4,000 career passing yards.

[GeauxTo]

IT'S BEEN A WHILE
Despite the storied histories for both Auburn and LSU, the two teams have met when both were ranked in the top 10 just once previously. The only other meeting occurred in 1972, when eighth-ranked LSU claimed a 35-7 victory over ninth-ranked Auburn in Baton Rouge.

[GeauxTo]

AUBURN-LSU CONNECTIONS
* Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/muschamp_will00.html) held the same position at LSU from 2001-04. Twenty-one current members of the LSU defense played under Muschamp while he was at LSU.
* Auburn tight ends coach Steve Ensminger (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ensminger_steve00.html) was a quarterback at LSU from 1976-79 and graduated from LSU in 1982. Ensminger was born in Baton Rouge.
* LSU offensive line coach Stacey Searels was an All-America offensive lineman at Auburn in 1987. Searels played at Auburn from 1984-87 and was a graduate assistant on the Plains from 1992-93.
* LSU offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jimbo Fisher was Auburn's quarterbacks coach from 1993-98.
* LSU Assistant AD/Football Operations Dr. Sam Nadar was a quarterback at Auburn from 1963-67. Nadar received his undergraduate degree from Auburn in 1967 and his master's from AU in 1969.
* LSU Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Jimmy Brumbaugh was a defensive lineman for Auburn from 1995-99, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and second-team accolades in 1996.

[GeauxTo]

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
Nine of the last 16 meetings in the Auburn-LSU series since 1988 have been decided by less than a touchdown. And like all good Southern football series, many of those games have earned memorable titles. Examples:
1988: LSU scored with 1:41 remaining to down fourth-ranked Auburn, 7-6. The noise from the Tiger Stadium crowd registered on a campus seismograph, thus earning the contest the title of "Earthquake Game."
1994: Auburn returned three of its five fourth-quarter interceptions for touchdowns to rally from a two-touchdown deficit and win 30-26. Auburn and LSU fans alike still recall the "Interception Game."
1995: Wearing the traditional white jerseys at home for the first time in 13 years, LSU stunned fifth-ranked Auburn, 12-6, when Troy Twillie intercepted Patrick Nix's 11-yard pass into the end zone with no time remaining. The 1997 LSU media guide referred to this game under the heading "Bring Back The Magic."
1996: "The Night The Barn Burned" will long be remembered on the Plains. As the old Auburn Sports Arena burned just outside Jordan-Hare Stadium, LSU defeated Auburn 19-15. After missing three field goals and an extra point, Auburn cut LSU's lead to 17-15 with :38 remaining, but Jon Cooley's two-point pass attempt was picked off by Raion Hill, who returned it the other way for two points.
1997: Dameyune Craig led Auburn on an 80-yard, 10-play drive in the game's final three minutes to deliver a 31-28 upset of 10th-ranked LSU in "The Comeback." Rusty Williams capped the drive on a one-yard touchdown plunge with :30 remaining. LSU attempted a 65-yard FG on the game's final play, but Quinton Reese blocked it to seal the Auburn win.
2004: The seemingly automatic extra point proved to be a challenge for both teams, but a second chance for Auburn allowed the Tigers to emerge with a 10-9 win in "The Extra Point Game." LSU missed the PAT after its first-quarter touchdown, but still led 9-3 late in the game. After Courtney Taylor (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/taylor_courtney00.html) hauled in a 16-yard score with just 1:14 left to tie the score, Auburn missed its extra point. An LSU personal foul gave John Vaughn (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/vaughn_john00.html) a second chance, and he delivered the winning point, handing LSU its first loss since winning the 2003 national championship.
2005: The first overtime game between the two teams was won by LSU, 20-17, when John Vaughn's (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/vaughn_john00.html) 39-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left upright. A 30-yard field goal by LSU's Chris Jackson to start the overtime turned out to be the winning points. Jackson forced overtime with a 44-yard field goal with just 1:40 left, moments after Auburn had taken a 17-14 lead on a five-yard pass from Brandon Cox (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cox_brandon00.html) to Anthony Mix (http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mix_anthony00.html) on fourth down with 4:52 left.
In all, 18 of the 40 games played between the two schools have been decided by a touchdown or less, with LSU holding a 9-8-1 edge in those games. NOT-SO CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
While Auburn and LSU played four consecutive games from 1994-97 that were all decided by six points or less (4.3 ppg), the next six meetings between the two were anything but close. From 1998-2003, the closest margin of victory was 12 points (LSU wins in 1998, 2001, 2003), while the average margin of victory during that time was 20.5 points. Auburn beat LSU by 34 points in 1999, 17 points in 2000 and 24 points in 2002.

[GeauxTo]

Muschamp vs. Bo Pelini
Two great defensive coordinators, for sure. Muschamp has the advangtage of having coached at LSU. He knows Jimbo Fisher's schemes well. But, on the other hand, Jimbo Fisher knows Muschamp's defenses well. Bo Pelini has developed a hard hitting, whistle-to-whistle defense that hasn't allowed a TD in three games (including last year's bowl game with Miami).

LSU is ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (3.0), second in pass defense (90.0 ypg) and third in total defense (164.0 ypg)

Auburn is ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense (7.0 ppg), ninth in pass defense (116.0 ypg) and 12th in total defense (217.5).

Borges vs. Jimbo Fisher
Both very creative and outstanding offensive coordinators. Pretty even, I'd say. If there is any advantage at all, it will be that Jimbo will have more talented depth overall than Borges has (arguable, of course, especially from The Barn point of view). For example, if Brandon Cox goes down, The Barn is in trouble; if Russell goes down, LSU just reloads. With WRs, it's the same way; Courtney Taylor goes down, The Barn has trouble replacing him; Dwaye Bowe goes down, LSU just reloads.

[Jay Bee]

Muschamp vs. Bo Pelini
Two great defensive coordinators, for sure. Muschamp has the advangtage of having coached at LSU. He knows Jimbo Fisher's schemes well. But, on the other hand, Jimbo Fisher knows Muschamp's defenses well. Bo Pelini has developed a hard hitting, whistle-to-whistle defense that hasn't allowed a TD in three games (including last year's bowl game with Miami).

LSU is ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (3.0), second in pass defense (90.0 ypg) and third in total defense (164.0 ypg)

Auburn is ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense (7.0 ppg), ninth in pass defense (116.0 ypg) and 12th in total defense (217.5).

Borges vs. Jimbo Fisher
Both very creative and outstanding offensive coordinators. Pretty even, I'd say. If there is any advantage at all, it will be that Jimbo will have more talented depth overall than Borges has (arguable, of course, especially from The Barn point of view). For example, if Brandon Cox goes down, The Barn is in trouble; if Russell goes down, LSU just reloads. With WRs, it's the same way; Courtney Taylor goes down, The Barn has trouble replacing him; Dwaye Bowe goes down, LSU just reloads.

The home team has prevailed in the last 6 contests. Hoping the trend continues!

WDE!
jb

[GeauxTo]

LSU has a score to settle at Auburn Saturday

Auburn tailback Kenny Irons shredded the LSU defense in Tiger Stadium last season for 218 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown, as Auburn outgained LSU 451 yards to 339 and rode off into the sunshine of the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., with a No. 7 ranking.

LSU, meanwhile, settled for the third-tier Peach Bowl at No. 10 in the nation.

Wait a minute. LSU beat Auburn last season 20-17 in overtime. Auburn's John Vaughn missed 5-of-6 field goals, including one from 39 yards off the upright that would have provided double overtime, but LSU still won the game.

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit nevertheless droned on for weeks that Auburn was the best team in the Southeastern Conference even though LSU edged Auburn for the West title by virtue of the tiebreaker earned with that overtime win. There is no wild card in college football.

LSU then added credence to Herbstreit's hyperbole by losing 34-14 in the SEC championship game to Georgia, which Auburn beat 31-30 at Georgia.

LSU may now be the first team in college football history to play a revenge game after winning the previous year.

It's No. 5 LSU (2-0, 0-0 SEC) versus No. 3 Auburn (2-0, 1-0 SEC) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS.

"It's No. 3 Auburn. They get all the hype," LSU junior left guard Will Arnold said Monday. "Do we get talked about like them? No. Do I think we should? Yes."

Auburn, by the way, lost that Capital One Bowl 24-10 to No. 21 Wisconsin and tumbled to a No. 14 finish and a 9-3 record. LSU ripped No. 9 Miami 40-3 in the Peach and finished No. 5 in the USA Today poll with an 11-2 mark.

Auburn and LSU had strikingly similar losses of senior players going into the 2006 season, but Auburn was the overwhelming choice to win the SEC title.

"They always seem to get more attention than us no matter if we beat them or not," senior strong safety Jessie Daniels said. "I have no idea why. It's always been like that since I been here."

Auburn did go undefeated in 2004 at 13-0 and finished No. 2 in the nation without a shot at the national championship. LSU went 13-1 in 2003 and won the BCS national title. LSU has won two SEC titles this decade and played for another. Auburn has won one SEC title this decade and played for two. The two teams have split six games this decade.

Arnold just doesn't get it.

"Yeah, I really try not to listen to what people say on ESPN and in the media, but it's just strange to me," he said. "I don't understand it. I guess we got lucky and beat them."

Someone missing five field goals in a game was strange, but three of the misses were of 41 yards or longer, including 49- and 54-yard tries. It should also be noted that LSU missed two field goals in the same game from 38 yards or less. Chris Jackson missed from 38 yards out, and Colt David missed from 28 yards away. David's miss came with LSU up 14-10 early in the fourth quarter. The play before, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe dropped an easy touchdown pass that would have put LSU up 21-10. Then Early Doucet dropped a touchdown pass in overtime that would have put LSU up 24-17 instead of 20-17 after a field goal. A catch there and Auburn would have had to go for it on fourth and 8 from the 23 in overtime instead of trying the 39-yard field goal.

LSU coach Les Miles has heard all about his lucky victory over Auburn, but he still counts it in the win column.

"I know that we dropped two touchdown passes late in the game, and the final outcome was just what we ordered," he said pointedly.

"We need to go out there and prove ourselves to everyone," Arnold said. "I want our team to do that. People have been worried about our offensive line and all the seniors we lost. I want us to go out there and prove ourselves. We need a big game like this to go out and prove that we're a dominant team. We have been dominant this season, but people will say we haven't beaten proven opponents."

[WDavE]

I'm quite sure one of our players kicked dirt on an LSU player during the last game.

I hope the LSU players have more motivational tools to work with then what I'm reading....

When the whistle blows on Saturday, Bowe and Irons will put aside their friendship and do the best to dominate each other, Irons says. “We know this Saturday is a crucial game. I told him to give it his all and I am going to bring my all.”

Irons notes he got a phone call from his buddy Bowe on Monday night.

“His coach is like No. 4, No. 4, this and that," Irons says. "He said he is tired of hearing my name in the meetings. I told him I am kind of tired of hearing his.”

Five of the last six years, the winner of the Auburn vs. LSU contest played in the SEC Championship Game.

[GeauxTo]

We won't disrespect you by stomping on your Tiger eye and we won't smoke cigars and blow smoke at you, but...

we will manhandle you on defense, rampage thru you on offense, and make more noise in your stadium than you do.
:biggrin:

[AUChamps]

Aubie > Mike.

/Thread and WDE!

[GTTiger]

I'm pretty sure Mike would kick Aubbie's butt

[AUChamps]

I'm pretty sure Mike would kick Aubbie's butt
That's Aubie, and I doubt it. Besides, if Mike got on Aubie, all we have to do is send one of our 3 Eagles out on your 1 Tiger.

[GTTiger]

The 3 eagles will already be knocked out from being hit with whiskey bottles!

[AUChamps]

The 3 eagles will already be knocked out from being hit with whiskey bottles!
But this game is being played in Auburn; we're a less slobbering drunk kind of fanbase.

[Jay Bee]

But this game is being played in Auburn; we're a less slobbering drunk kind of fanbase.

Don't know about that. However, 2:30 kickoff helps. Those extra 4 hours of hard drinkin' make for some sloppy fans! It's sad to see these grown ups that aren't in "drinking shape" try to replicate their collegial intake... UGLY

WDE!
jb

[GTTiger]

Yeah, sucks that it's not a night game.

[AUChamps]

Shame I gotta be in Tuscaloosa this weekend. btw anyone know what time kickoff is for that game?

[shanksta13]

However, 2:30 kickoff helps.

Jay Bee seems to be on top of things...

[WDavE]

We won't disrespect you by stomping on your Tiger eye and we won't smoke cigars and blow smoke at you, but...

we will manhandle you on defense, rampage thru you on offense, and make more noise in your stadium than you do.
:biggrin:

Thats fair!

Then we won't rock your team bus after the game or pee on the players when they run into the tunnel. We also won't throw any glass bottles at your team manager and injure him. That way our school president will not have to send a letter of apology to you.

[shanksta13]

Thats fair!

Then we won't rock your team bus after the game or pee on the players when they run into the tunnel. We also won't throw any glass bottles at your team manager and injure him. That way our school president will not have to send a letter of apology to you.

Ouch Geaux! :rofl:

[GeauxTo]

Thats fair!

Then we won't rock your team bus after the game or pee on the players when they run into the tunnel. We also won't throw any glass bottles at your team manager and injure him. That way our school president will not have to send a letter of apology to you.I think that peeing thing was erroneous... I was aiming mine at Aubie.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Aubie-bike.jpg/280px-Aubie-bike.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Aubie-bike.jpg)

[shanksta13]

OK I'm going to do my best to break down this game in every aspect possible. It's a big SEC game with huge Championship implications, so I think it well worth my time.

I will grade each teams strengths and weaknesses on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.

[shanksta13]

QUARTERBACK

LSU: LSU has a great starting QB in JaMarcus Russell. He has plenty of SEC experience as he started in every game for LSU last year except for the Peach Bowl. He also received a lot of time in 2004 as a backup to Senior Marcus Randall. He has seen and played against SEC style defenses for 2 years now. This season it certainly looks as if he has gotten a lot more confident and comfortable throwing the ball. He has proven in the past that he can come through in clutch situations and win some ballgames coming from behind. That could be huge against Auburn in what figures to be a close game. He has an absolute cannon and can hit receivers downfield about 70 yards. This provides LSU with a great deep threat, especailly considering the quality of the LSU WRs. If LSU can show that they are willing to attack aerially early on in the game it could open up some lanes for the running game. JaMarcus should be able to keep his head on the road and everyone will expect a solid performance from him.

In addition, LSU has great backup QBs should Russell go down. Matt Flynn filled in for Russell during the Peach Bowl last year, which Russell missed with a shoulder injury. Flynn through the ball well and earned the confidence of his receivers after picking apart the highly regarded Cane Defense. Flynn was so good, that many felt there would be a QB controversy in Baton Rouge. Also backing up Russell and Flynn is highly touted redshirt freshman Ryan Perrilloux. Perrilloux was the number one QB recruit in the nation in 2005 and figures to be great in college.

QB Rating - 4.5

Auburn: Brandon Cox will be the starter for Auburn against LSU. Cox started all of last year and really came along as the season progressed. He is a very smart QB that does a good job of looking off coverage as he reads through his progressions. Cox has a great record as a starter at Auburn and figures to enter the game with a lot of confidence. If he can avoid the LSU rush early on, he will probably be able to find his WRs and open up some room for Heismann candidate RB Kenny Irons. However, if Cox gets beat up early, the Auburn Tigers could stall offensively.

QB Rating - 4.0

RUNNING BACK

LSU: Alley Broussard looks to be the man that will get the majority of the carries against Auburn, but expect Jimbo Fisher to mix up the running game very effectively. Justin Vincent has looked very slow in the first two games after looking very impressive durning camp. Freshman running backs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams will offer the LSU Tigers a quicker, slashing style of running, but may not carry as much as Broussard. Another key guy to look out for out of the LSU backfield is the oft-overlooked Jacob Hester. Hester is a very dependable back who does not put the ball on the ground. He runs with power and catches very well out of the backfield. He is coming off of a 2 TD performance against Arizona, so he shouldn't miss a beat when the whistle blows.

Auburn knows that the running game of LSU figures to be weaker than the passing game. I think that Will Muschamps will try to crowd players into the box early to stop the run and force JaMarcus Russell to make plays. If the LSU running game doesn't get involved early it could upset the balance of the offense and cause problems for Jimbo Fisher.

RB Rating - 4.0

Auburn: Kenny Irons is the one player that alone can make or break this game for the Auburn Tigers. Even though the Auburn Tigers lost last year in Death Valley, Kenny Irons won the game for them. He rushed for 218 yards against the LSU defense and absolutely dominated the Tigers from Baton Rouge. He is cleary a Heismann candidate and the Auburn Tigers need him to put up Heismann like numbers against LSU. His speed, vision and leg strength make him one of the most exciting and effective runners in college football. Throw Brad Lester into the mix and you have one of the most dangerous backfields in the country. Auburn will come out and try to establish the run early and it will be up to Irons to get the offense running early in the game. Auburn clearly has the advantage at the RB position and Al Borges will do his best to use that to his advantage.

RB Rating - 5.0

WIDE RECEIVER

LSU: A deep core of talented and experienced receivers will take the field for LSU on September 16th against Auburn. LSU's WRs this year include among others Dwayne Bowe, Buster Davis and Early Doucet. Bowe has shown flashes of greatness, but struggled catching the ball last year due to a vision problem. He had it fixed during the summer and every indication so far is that his hands have improved by leaps and bounds as a result. He will probably get the majority of the receptions for the LSU Tigers, even though they will spread the ball around effectively. Buster Davis is another extremely talented wideout who has enjoyed previous success with the Tigers. He seems to be Russell's go-to guy when the game is on the line or when the Tigers need an important 3rd down conversion. Expect him to get a few important catches in this game. Finally, Doucet and a handful of other receivers including Brandon LaFell and Trindon Holliday make up the rest of the LSU receiving corp. LaFell caught a 58 yard bomb against Arizona and Holliday is a burner. Doucet has all of the natural athleticism to be a great WR in the SEC and has contributed much to LSU's success in the air in the past.

WR Rating - 4.5

Auburn: Auburn graduated a very good group of wideouts last year. They return Courtney Taylor, who has played an instrumental role in instructing the younger receivers. Saturday afternoon will be the first real test for this group as they face probably the best secondary in the nation. Taylor will have to step up and prove both to the LSU Tigers and his teammates that the Auburn wideouts are capable of making big plays against the LSU secondary. Taylor will be instrumental in the Auburn passing attack, and don't be surprised to see a few screens thrown in the direction of Kenny Irons.

WR Rating - 3.5

OFFENSIVE LINE

LSU: LSU graduated 3 senior from their offensive line, including ALL-SEC Tackle Andrew Whitworth. It is a group that will really have to step it up in a game against its first good Defensive Line. Expect to see the Auburn Tigers test this line early with a variety of different blitz packages from Will Muschamps. The line will have to keep their composure even if Auburn beats on them early if the LSU Tigers hope to have a chance in this one.

OL Rating - 3.5

Auburn: Auburn graduates ALL SEC Tackle Marcus McNeill. He was a cornerstone of this Auburn line and will no doubt be tough to replace. The line definitely seems to be cohesive thus far in the season, though, limiting the effectiveness of a good MSU defense. LSU's Defensive Line will be no slouch and Auburn must protect Cox to have a shot. If they can give Cox between 3 and 4 seconds to get rid of the football the Auburn pass game should be in good shape. Also, if they can open running lanes for Irons and Lester early, it will take some of the blitzing pressure off of Cox.

OL Rating - 4.0

OVERALL OFFENSIVE RATINGS (out of 20)

LSU - 16.5

Auburn - 16.5

[shanksta13]

DEFENSIVE LINE

LSU: With the graduation of Claude Wroten and Melvin Oliver, it seems like there is no way that this LSU D-Line can add up to what it was last year. That is simply not the case. No one, including the LSU O-Line has been able to stop SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week Glenn Dorsey and he figures to have another good one against Auburn. Chase Pittman and Marlon Favorite are also no slouches. The LSU D-Line will definitely be playing with a chip on their shoulder after Kenny Irons ran over them for 218 yards in Death Valley last year. They will be out for blood and things could get ugly in the trenches if Auburn's O-Line can't hold their own.

DL Rating - 4.0

Auburn: Auburn will have a great D-Line again this year, as they have already proven up to this point. Coming off of a shutout against MSU, the Auburn D-Line needs to have similar production against the LSU run to give the Auburn Linebackers and Secondary a chance to slow down JaMarcus Russell and a talented group of receivers wearing the purple and gold. The D-Line will be led by Quentin Groves, Chris Browder and Greg Smith. They need to shut down the LSU running game early to allow the Auburn blitz packages to be effective against the LSU passing attack.

DL Rating - 4.0

LINEBACKER

LSU: LSU still has a fairly talented Linebacking corp, led by Ali Highsmith. They have good speed across the board and will need to be effective in plugging up any gaps that the Auburn O-Line opens up to be successful. Highsmith will be a great tackler and should help to keep Irons in check. But if the D-Line doesn't play well, then the linebackers may have trouble wrapping Irons up. Highsmith needs to continue the kind of play that has made him a defensive leader this year.

LB Rating - 4.0

Auburn: Tray Blackmon and Kevin Sears are not doing the Auburn Tigers any favors by being suspended for this game. The linebacking corp at Auburn is very thin as a result and two probable starters will not be playing due to off-the-field issues (Blackmon and Sears). That does not bode well against an LSU running game that is capable of breaking runs into the second level of the defense and is just as capable as throwing the ball into that zone. The remaining linebackers will really need to elevate their play to compensate for the absence of Blackmon and Sears. With any luck, they should get a lot of help from the D-Line.

LB Rating - 3.5

DEFENSIVE BACK

LSU: As aforementioned, LSU has arguably the best secondary in the country. They have the speed to match nearly any wideout in college football and they hit harder than most linebackers. LaRon Landry and Jesse Daniels, both 4 year starters at safety, will anchor the secondary. Playing at corner will be Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon, who is really coming on strong right now. This will probably the be the biggest edge that LSU has over Auburn, especially considering the relative youth of the Auburn receiving corp. The Auburn receivers had better be prepared to take some huge hits coming across the field, because that is exactly what this LSU secondary is going to give them.

DB Rating - 5.0

Auburn: Auburn will play some very talented players at corner, including Jonathan Wilhite and David Irons. The safeties are a little bit more suspect, which may lead to some loss of sleep for Will Muschamps, who knows full well that he will be facing a very talented group of wideouts. If the corners can play shutdown football on the #1 and 2 receivers for LSU it could allow the Defensive Line enough time to get to JaMarcus Russell and hurry him at the very least. But the secondary also must protect against the deep ball and the cannon of JaMarcus Russell, which may limit the number of blitzes that Muschamps can send at Russell.

DB Rating - 4.5

OVERALL DEFENSIVE RATINGS (out of 15)

LSU - 13.0

Auburn - 12.0

[shanksta13]

As you can see, I think it will be a close, hard fought game. I give LSU a slight edge on the Defensive side of the ball, but that is just my analysis. Your thoughts and feedback would be greatly appreciated...

[The Architect]

Very in-depth response Shank. Here's mine. As I hold aloft my moistened index finger in the breeze, the wind tells me Barn by 4, 21-17, in a slugfest.

How's that for some analysis? :biggrin:

[shanksta13]

Very in-depth response Shank. Here's mine. As I hold aloft my moistened index finger in the breeze, the wind tells me Barn by 4, 21-17, in a slugfest.

How's that for some analysis? :biggrin:

Not bad, not bad at all... :laugh:

[AUFootball24]

Speaking of the AU linebackers, watch for missed tackles throughout the game. While very fast, the backers are VERY undersized. We seem to have a problem bringing down big backs (see the WSU tailback's stats before he was hurt)

[TigerFanatic]

i have it on good authority that auburn fans throw ziploc bags full of piss on the opposing teams fans...

[GeauxTo]

Auburn's defensive line averages 6'3", 277 and the linebackers average 6'1", 219. LSU's starting offensive line averages 6'4", 307. The LSU offensive line size advantage could wear down Auburn's defense in the second half.

[WDavE]

Auburn's defensive line averages 6'3", 277 and the linebackers average 6'1", 219. LSU's starting offensive line averages 6'4", 307. The LSU offensive line size advantage could wear down Auburn's defense in the second half.

Maybe but we have alot of players that get playing time upfront.


Four defensive ends and five NG's slash tackles. I don't see you wearing us down.

I would be willing to bet that our ends will be faster then yours or anybody your offensive tackles have seen up till now. The scary part is your QB looks to be around 280. :ohmy:

By the way! Thanks for rounding up. 276 would also be correct...

Our O-Line would average out bigger and taller then yours if if it wasn't for the center (Cope).

He is 6-1 272lbs.

OT 6-9 321
G 6-3 314
G 6-4 310
OT 6-5 318

[azamugg]

Auburn's defensive line averages 6'3", 277 and the linebackers average 6'1", 219. LSU's starting offensive line averages 6'4", 307. The LSU offensive line size advantage could wear down Auburn's defense in the second half.

or they could get the shits from eating crappy cajun cooking ..or get the crabs from screwing the coaches daughter.....hey one prediction is as good as another

[absolutebama]

Geaux,

Those stats mean only mean their guts are bigger. Heck I'm 6'1 215 but that don't mean crap....I'd pass out running to the bathroom! Your searching?

I got it the LSU waterboys pour water faster than the barn waterboys too, right? HA HA....HAHA!

As a matter of fact Geaux timed them himself at this years waterboy combines held in Podunk, LA....right? Man those LSU guys can really distribute that water....flawless execution everytime....Les Smiles oversees the program himself, right Geaux?

Geaux (a.k.a. STATMASTER) hehe!!

[GeauxTo]

Star Auburn defensive back David Irons is 5'11"
Star LSU Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe is 6'3"
Could make a difference in the game.

[GeauxTo]

BATON ROUGE -- LSU punter Chris Jackson (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174949&Q_SEASON=2006) has been named to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, the Greater Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council announced on Wednesday.

The Ray Guy Award is presented annually to the top punter in college football.

http://origin.xosn.com/pics3/400/NB/NBJJTLYGAULWEZR.20060910031406.jpg (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=606091)

[GeauxTo]

At Auburn this week and in many past weeks, the subject has been No. 6 LSU, which No. 3 Auburn hosts at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS. But coaches and players have been sounding a lot like they were preparing to play Alabama, which is usually reserved for “rest of their lives” comments.

“We’ve got to be focused, because we know this can make or break our season here,” Cox said.

As far as national and Southeastern Conference significance, the LSU-Auburn game has surpassed the Alabama-Auburn game. In five of the last six seasons, Alabama was either on probation or not ranked going into the Auburn game. LSU, meanwhile, will bring a top 10 ranking into the Auburn game for the fifth straight year and a top 25 ranking for the sixth straight year. This is the fourth straight Auburn-LSU pairing in which both are ranked.

Auburn has also beaten Alabama four straight times, including three by a touchdown or more, and in five of the last six meetings. Neither Auburn nor LSU has beaten the other twice in a row this decade. Either Auburn or LSU has won the last three SEC West titles and five of the last six. Alabama has won the West once in the last nine years.

Tuberville has often called the LSU game Auburn’s biggest of the year, which may be a shot at Alabama, but he’s talking about the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. By the time Auburn and Alabama play to end the season, it’s just about finishing touches. LSU and Auburn are about to set the West pace.

“I think this game can decide LSU’s future or our future,” said Auburn cornerback Jonathan Wilhite of Ouachita High in Monroe.

“Usually the team that wins this game has the best opportunity to go to Atlanta,” Tuberville said. “If you fall behind two games after this game — which is basically what you do if you lose — it makes it pretty difficult. And both teams have had good teams for the last few years. We’ve been the two best teams in the West.

“Whether it’s that way this year or not we’ll have to wait and see, but in the past, that’s what it’s been. One will be chasing the other for the rest of the year is what it’s going to do.”

In the past before Alabama games, Tuberville said the secret to preparing for such a game was to be mentally sharp because the physical part will be there because of the opponent. He used that line two months early this season.

[GeauxTo]

The big one is Saturday. Auburn versus LSU at 2:30 p.m. on CBS from Auburn. Both are in the top 10. Both are undefeated.

There has not been a better pairing this season between two teams who are as talented and at the top of their games. Neither may be as good as Ohio State, but both together are better than Ohio State and Texas together. Auburn and LSU will definitely provide a better game than Ohio State and Texas, which fell 24-7 to the Buckeyes.

Neither LSU nor Auburn has played a very good team yet, but each have played about as well as a team can play this early in the season. Each team has a very good defense. Each team has very good quarterbacks. Each team has speed.

Each team has dismissed a Pac-10 team like it was a Sun Belt team. Combined LSU and Auburn beat Arizona and Washington State 95-17. Both games were a day on a California beach.

Each team will venture into Saturday healthy and refreshed. Each has barely broken up a sweat while gaining a combined 1,802 yards (930 by LSU, 872 by Auburn) and holding opponents to 763 yards (328 by LSU and 435 by Auburn).

Five of the last six of these games has decided the SEC West winner. The last two games have been decided by four points. LSU won in 2003 and won the national championship. Auburn won in 2004, finished undefeated and should have played for the national championship. LSU won last year, but everyone said Auburn was better. LSU lucked out when John Vaughn missed 5-of-6 field goals, but Auburn lucked out the year before on a cheap call that allowed it to get another chance to kick the winning extra point.

It will come down to a couple of points this year, too. This is only the second time beginning in 1990 that this game is the CBS national game, but it is also the second LSU-Auburn game on CBS in three years. It needs to be an annual thing.

LSU and Auburn are the two best teams in the SEC this year and long term they probably have the best two programs.

[absolutebama]

BAMA is mentioned 8 times in a post dedicated to the LSU-Aubarn game....that's envy boys and girls!

Two teams biggest game ever.....try your best to down play the Crimson Tide and it sounds to me that both teams have BAMA on the brain.....damn now that's tradition!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[WDavE]

Envy? Or is it merely being referenced 8 different times when talking two teams with alot more going for them.

Tradition buys you a mention when looking at the past.

[AUFootball24]

if you run for 111 this week you will most likely lose. like i said, until he proves me wrong, i dont think you can put a game on cox's back.

im not dogging auburn, you may be the class of the sec....but like i said, while efficient, im not sure cox can beat a team like lsu w/o a running game.

Why does everyone assume we won't be able to run the ball?

We have a top 5 back in the nation. We have a top 5 o-line in the nation. And everyone is just assuming we are going to get stuffed...

[absolutebama]

Dave,

Once again your right. Just thought it a bit strange at the number of references. The thing that would concern me if I were an Aubarn/LSU fan would be that my coaches, players, etc. had taken their focus off the game at hand for even a second to worry about the has been ALABAMA team(s) of the past.

In a game of this magnitude where game preparations, player focus etc. are crucial it seems ridiculous to even take the 8 times to mention BAMA, afterall whoever wins this game walks through the west.....embarasses the TIDE anyway so why bother? Seems kinda risky to me.

But what do I know? FOOSEBALL what's FOOSEBALL?

[Wizard of Orange]

LSU and Auburn are the two best teams in the SEC this year and long term they probably have the best two programs.

I actually have LSU and AU as tops as well in the conference, GT. However, that's just my opinion right now. Its too early to say they are the best. You should at least add a "IMO" to a statement like that. Especially, until after you've had a real test.

[blues_cap]

Why does everyone assume we won't be able to run the ball?

We have a top 5 back in the nation. We have a top 5 o-line in the nation. And everyone is just assuming we are going to get stuffed...

personally, i went over this with wdave in the preseason. i dont think you can simply "replace" the quality of the 2 o-linemen you lost last year. i know you have talent and are very deep, but you dont simply just stick another guy in there in place of the other 2. also, dejuan robinson played on the auburn side of the los almost the whole game the other day. i believe it was duckworth he was constantly beating. lsu has glenn dorsey, whom i havent seen much of, but if he is half the player geaux says he is( :laugh: ) he will be on your side of the los for a lot of the game.

if msu was any indication, your running game will not be nearly as effective as last year's game. like i mentioned in the earlier post, i wouldnt of dreamed irons would run for 200+ last year and he proved me wrong. i gotta stick w/the law of averages and say au doesnt run the football very effectively this game(and my belief that your o-line isnt as good as last year).

after this rant, im not sure lsu's front 7 is as good as last year's either, but we shall have a clearer picture sat.

[Jay Bee]

personally, i went over this with wdave in the preseason. i dont think you can simply "replace" the quality of the 2 o-linemen you lost last year. i know you have talent and are very deep, but you dont simply just stick another guy in there in place of the other 2. also, dejuan robinson played on the auburn side of the los almost the whole game the other day. i believe it was duckworth he was constantly beating. lsu has glenn dorsey, whom i havent seen much of, but if he is half the player geaux says he is( :laugh: ) he will be on your side of the los for a lot of the game.

if msu was any indication, your running game will not be nearly as effective as last year's game. like i mentioned in the earlier post, i wouldnt of dreamed irons would run for 200+ last year and he proved me wrong. i gotta stick w/the law of averages and say au doesnt run the football very effectively this game(and my belief that your o-line isnt as good as last year).

after this rant, im not sure lsu's front 7 is as good as last year's either, but we shall have a clearer picture sat.


You're corrrect that we lost some good linemen after last year. Big Marcus McNeil is starting for San Diego already. However, the O-Line is still pretty experienced. King Dunlap is a monster (as big as McNeil) and playing well. Ben Grubbs got Olineman of the week last week. Our center is small, but experienced and very tough, and Tim Duckworth is projected as an early pick in the draft this year.
I think our D-Line is much less experienced, but we still have some talent, especially on the at the DE's.

However, all that being said, much will be revealed Saturday. Ought to be a war in the trenches!

WDE!
jb

[WDavE]

Blues,
My only point in the preseason was that (Yes!) we did lose two quality linemen from the year before. But unlike many teams this year, we had two upperclassmen with playing time ready to take their place.

Some things you need to know and remember.
2005 and before the LSU game. Auburn rushed the ball 41 times against MSU and got something like 140 yards. Then Kenny runs wild on LSU later on.
After the Washington St. game Kenny had a slight groin pull and was at about 80%. That would explain Brad Lester looking better in that game.
MSU always had 7 in the box to stop the run.
Cox pretty much picked MSU apart in the air.
Auburn lost two good lineman. How many starters did LSU lose upfront on defense? (3) How many starting offensive lineman did they lose? (3)
Another postion to watch is LSU's Ciron Black OT a RSF going against some of the fastest DE's he will see.

I hope we play a good game regardless of the outcome.

[absolutebama]

Aubarn has the SEC most veteran O-line...I think their a little slower than last year but without a doubt should be the most physically prepared considering the experience and with that comes reps in the weight room, more film study, etc.

IMHO the best match ups will be the LSU receivers against the Aubarn secondary. I checked into this a week or so ago and the dbs and lbs of Aubarn are basically all 4.4 guys. The Lsu wideouts have speed and more size especially Bowe and last year did a great job of using their bodies to shield the defenders from the ball...

Flip side...Aubarn's wideouts are fairly new crew (C.Taylor not included) and Lsu has super speed better size in the secondary...my best guess is that neither team runs the ball well and matchups down field play major roles in determining the outcome.

RTR!!!!!!!!!!!1

[blues_cap]

Blues,
My only point in the preseason was that (Yes!) we did lose two quality linemen from the year before. But unlike many teams this year, we had two upperclassmen with playing time ready to take their place.

Some things you need to know and remember.
2005 and before the LSU game. Auburn rushed the ball 41 times against MSU and got something like 140 yards. Then Kenny runs wild on LSU later on.
After the Washington St. game Kenny had a slight groin pull and was at about 80%. That would explain Brad Lester looking better in that game.
MSU always had 7 in the box to stop the run.
Cox pretty much picked MSU apart in the air.
Auburn lost two good lineman. How many starters did LSU lose upfront on defense? (3) How many starting offensive lineman did they lose? (3)

I hope we play a good game regardless of the outcome.

in all fairness, lester's looked good late in the game when msu defense was obviously done.

i understand the 2005 comparison, but like i said earlier, i dont feel your o-line is as good as last year's. jmo.

i know cox picked apart msu in the air, but as i've said before, lsu's db's arent msu's db's. much better secondary, possibly the best in the league.

as far as lsu's d-line, i know they lost some players which is why i mentioned that im not sure they are as good as last year's.

as far as lsu's o-line, im not sure they can run the ball either but if their backs get to au's undersized lb's early, it could be a long game. anyway, i dont think the running game decides this game. i feel russell is the better qb and the one capable of carrying a team when they cant run the ball. i have mentioned before, until cox does carry his team w/o a run game, i dont think he can(and please dont bring up carrying them against msu last week)

anyway, here's to an injury free game that is decided in the 4th qtr :beer: .

[WDavE]

Not a problem Blues.... I'm just anxious and somewhat bored waiting for Sat.

Just for grins here are the stats between the two teams last year.

NET YARDS RUSHING............. Auburn 230 LSU 149
Rushing Attempts............ 38 34
Yards Gained Rushing........ 259 151
NET YARDS PASSING............. 221 190

The good news is that we're at home....

[GTTiger]

Not a problem Blues.... I'm just anxious and somewhat bored waiting for Sat.

Just for grins here are the stats between the two teams last year.

NET YARDS RUSHING............. Auburn 230 LSU 149
Rushing Attempts............ 38 34
Yards Gained Rushing........ 259 151
NET YARDS PASSING............. 221 190

The good news is that we're at home....

You forgot the most important stat!!

[Razorbabe]

This is my favorite matchup yet this year. I maintain my early season pick of LSU as eventual SEC Champion. I have them winning this game by a narrow margin, with experience and size at QB along with depth of talent and speed at defensive positions putting them ahead of Auburn in this game. What would shock me totally would be a blowout for either team. Instead, I look to see lots of extremely physical play, and an extremely close game. I would want to wear a helmet if I were an official!

[shanksta13]

I would want to wear a helmet if I were an official!

Haha right on! :laugh:

They might be able to grab one after it flies off of a players head from a huge hit, that's for sure.

[Wizard of Orange]

Haha right on! :laugh:

They might be able to grab one after it flies off of a players head from a huge hit, that's for sure.
Anyone else get the feeling that Field Goals are going to play a major role in determining who wins this game again?

I can't seem to shake that feeling...

[GTTiger]

I get the feelings that Turnovers are gonna decide the game.

[GeauxTo]

Wednesday Night's Call-In Radio Show with Les Miles:

Frank was the first caller of the night and said that he had seen Auburn play two times this season and that he believed Auburn's offense can be stopped and Coach Miles agreed. Miles said that LSU needs to get off to a fast start in the game.

Jeff called and said that he has had a hard time getting his mind off the game at work and was looking forward to attending it. Miles' reply was that LSU was working hard in practice and was looking forward to playing the game and that the team was looking forward to bringing home a win.

Glen called and asked if Jonathan Zenon had one or two more years to play at LSU. The coach's reply was that Zenon has this year and next year to play for the Tigers. Glen also asked if Keiland Williams would be used on kick returns against Auburn because he was a great kick return player in high school. Miles said Williams might return kicks in the future, but not anytime soon. Miles said he is very happy with the players he has returning kicks.

Mr. X called and asked how he kept the team focussed for the big game against Auburn. Coach Miles' answer was that the players know what the task ahead is and that the team was going on about business as usual - they're not going around patting each other on the back and bragging about anything.

Griffin called and said everyone was picking Auburn to win and that LSU was not getting the respect they deserved. Coach Miles said preseason predictions and media predictions did not side track him. Coach Miles said he likes his team and would not trade his team for the Auburn team and was looking forward to bringing home a win.

Jeff asked the coach how Luke Sanders was playing and whether Sander's success would affect LSU's chances of signing Blue Chip players at West Monroe. Miles' answer was that Luke Sander will have a good season because he works too hard not to have a great season. Miles said he did not believe the success that Luke Sanders has at LSU this season will have any affect on the West Monroe players. Miles pointed out that LSU has a great relationship with WM and that players like Andrew Whithworth had great careers at LSU.

Don called and asked Coach Miles about the cigar smoking incident at midfield after Auburn had beaten LSU in Tiger stadium a few years back and asked if he would allow LSU to do the same thing after a win at Auburn. Miles' answer was that he would not approve celebrating on an opposing team's home field and that his players would wait and celebrate at home.

James called and asked about the punt formation with eight players at the line of scrimmages attempting to blocking ten defenders. Miles said the problems that LSU had last week with the kicking game has been corrected.

Wade from Alabama called and asked if LSU's game plan against Auburn is based on what Auburn has already shown this season. Miles answer was that Auburn has not nearly shown all of their offensive and defensive schemes and that LSU has not nearly shown all their ammunition.

Charles called and asked Coach Miles about plan B if LSU loses at Auburn. Miles said LSU was not planning on losing the game and did not have a plan B.

Michael called and asked what it is like for Will Muschamp and Jimbo Fisher to coach against each other after coaching together several years at LSU. Miles' reply was that it is more of an LSU-Auburn deal than it is a Jimbo Fisher-Will Muschamp deal. Miles did say that Muschamp would throw a lot of different looks at LSU and that LSU would have to be prepared for what Muschamp has done in the past.

Herman called and asked if there has been any changes by the NCAA in the redshirt rule. Miles' answer was that the NCAA has made major changes with the rule. The new rule states that if a freshman plays one single play in any game of the season the will lose a redshirt year unless the player suffers an injury and has not played in more than 20 percent of the games. On a personal note, I was not aware of the redshirt rule changes which are very similar to the redshirt rules that were in affect several years ago. According to Les Miles, all the true freshmen who have seen playing time this season have already lost their redshirt year unless they have been injured are will be injured this week at Auburn.

[GeauxTo]

Friday thoughts...

"You look at them on film and understand why they are ranked third in the nation,” Miles said. “With Kenny Irons and Brad Lester and their quarterback Brandon Cox, they are very efficient on offense. They run the football well and Brandon Cox makes good decisions with the football. He’s a tremendous quarterback who handles their offense very well.”

Auburn’s offense will be tested by an LSU defense that has five interceptions and six sacks to its credit this year. LSU cornerback Jonathan Zenon (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174954&Q_SEASON=2006) has returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of LSU’s first two games. Linebacker Darry Beckwith (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174056&Q_SEASON=2006) leads the Tigers in tackles with 15, including nine last week against Arizona.

“Defensively, we are going to be challenged by a very talented offense,” Miles said. “We have done a good job of preparing this week. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Defensively, LSU brings one of the nation’s top defenses into the contest as the Tigers are the only team in country that has yet to allow a touchdown. In two games, LSU has given up only two field goals as the Tiger defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 14 quarters.

That streak will be tested by Auburn as the War Eagles feature the SEC’s top running back in Kenny Irons, who is averaging 126 yards per game. A year ago, Irons rushed for 218 yards and a score in the loss to LSU. Auburn’s offense is led by quarterback Brandon Cox, who hasn’t thrown an interception this year in leading the Tigers to 74 points in their first two games of the year.

The catalyst for the LSU offense has been quarterback JaMarcus Russell (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174908&Q_SEASON=2006), who ranks third in the nation in pass efficiency after completing 26 of 37 passes for 449 yards and five touchdowns in the Tigers first two games. Russell’s top targets have been running back Jacob Hester (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174927&Q_SEASON=2006) (8 rec., 54 yards, 1 TD) and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174907&Q_SEASON=2006) (7 rec., 153 yards, 2 TDs.)

When the Tigers aren’t throwing it, they have used a running back-by-committee approach with Hester, Alley Broussard (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174960&Q_SEASON=2006) and Justin Vincent (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=174995&Q_SEASON=2006) each carrying the ball 16 times through two games. LSU’s leading rusher in true freshman Charles Scott (http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=233518&Q_SEASON=2006), who has 86 yards and one touchdown on nine carries.
In order for the Tigers to give Russell and the skill players a chance on Saturday, the offensive line must continue its strong play. Through two games, the Tigers have allowed only one sack.