Published October 20, 2010 - 8:00am
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One of the biggest games of the year will take place this Saturday between Auburn and LSU. It will be strength against strength – the Auburn rushing offense against the LSU rushing defense.
As we all know, Auburn has the highest scoring offense in the league right now, averaging 40.7 points and 283 yards on the ground per game. What you may not know is LSU’s rushing defense has dominated the run this year and leads the conference, only giving up a mere 83 yards per game.
What if John Chavis and the LSU defense can make Cameron Newton one-dimensional? What if they take away the option and make Newton beat them through the air? Auburn does have three other running backs to help Newton carry the load in Onterio McCalebb, Michael Dyer and Mario Fannin. I have been waiting to see this vaunted rushing attack go up against a legit defense and have yet to see it this year so far. Auburn has pretty much scored at will behind Newton and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
LSU’s defense is very fast and physical. Obviously, their star player is at corner in Patrick Peterson, but their leading tackler is linebacker Kelvin Sheppard. Sheppard is the second leading tackler in the conference, and he looks to be the leader on the defensive side of the ball. Up front, the senior Drake Nevis has played outstanding at defensive tackle, as he is second in the conference with five total sacks. The LSU front four ate up the Gators two weeks ago, and they found themselves in the backfield early and often in the first half before adjustments were made at halftime.
John Chavis will try to make Newton one-dimensional by taking away the ground game. This is where Auburn wide receivers and LSU corners will go to battle. Auburn’s best receiver is Darvin Adams, as he has 23 catches for 419 yards and two touchdowns so far – Peterson will likely cover him, as he tends to shut down every opponent’s best receiver. Auburn is averaging 10.5 yards per pass play, though.
How will Newton and the offense react to a fast, physical defense in the LSU Tigers? It remains to be seen, but I can promise you one thing – this game will have some big-time hitting going on out there, and this will most-definitely be the fastest defense the Auburn offense has seen all year.
Who gets the better of the two?
Jon,
Good article. Maybe a preview for LSU’s D vs. Auburn O could be the LSU / UF game from last year. It was the first time Chavis really had a good game plan and the athletes for stopping Tebow. I realize Tebow was coming back from the concussion, but the dude was still a baby rhino trying to run people over. I think you will see something very similar this weekend against Cam. Big push up the middle, speed at the ends to keep Cam in the middle of traffic. I guarantee you that LSU will do their best to limit his access to open space.
-hop
Again great article. I do see as a hard task to bring Cam Newton to a one-dimensional type offense, the kid is second in the country in pass efficiency and do I have to mention his run game. And he is BY FAR the best in the county at making something out of nothing. You can bring pressure all day and he is just SO physical and good at reading the defense no matter how good they are I don’t think it is possible to shut him down.
Jason
Great Article. I think this is going to be a qeustion of does a good defense always beat a good offense. They Say defense wins championships. I really think this game is going to be a very hard fought game. I think Auburn can and will pass at will, Auburn does one thing really good, better than any other team I have seen. They take what the defense gives them. If the run is not there Auburn has some great wideouts that are as fast or faster than anyone at their position. T-Zac is good at making people miss after the catch, Emory Blake, has shown the same elusiveness, Darvin Adams is a beast, Burns is outstanding, Carr is under rated. I am going to be at the game cheering for those Auburn Tigers. The LSU/AU Game has always been a battle, this one will be an instant classic. WDE!!
In the third paragraph its mentioned that Auburn is yet to face a legit defense this season. One question. Which defense held them scoreless the whole second half, and only allowed 17 points. Auburn’s offense is great, yet Mississippi State could have easily beaten them if their receivers actually had hands. My point being, LSU by 10
Bob – very valid point. By legit, I meant LSU is first in the conference in total defense and rushing defense. Miss St is middle of the pack on both columns. I’m not making excuses, but Miss St was on the road with the cow bells; however, Auburn did have a tough time, you’re right. Miss St should have beaten them if that receiver had not dropped that pass near the end of the game. Thanks for your comments.
The one thing I’ve noticed about Cam Newton is he gets better and stronger every week. When Miss State almost beat them, it was the first of the year. Unfortunately for Miss State as they are playing very well now, I do believe it would be a very different game at this point in the season. Cam has his groove now and knows what works for him. LSU will be able to slow him down, but even Les admits they won’t be able to shut him down. I do not agree with Kevin though. I don’t think he will pass at will against Peterson and company. Cam will make some great plays no doubt, but they will be limited.
On the other side of the ball is what concerns me more than the offense of Auburn vs the Defense of LSU. I think those two will pretty much balance each other out. However on the offensive side of the ball for LSU, they have relied on Ridley to carry the offense. Auburn’s run defense is alot better than they played last week against Arkansas and believe me, they will be ready for whatever LSU can throw at them offensively which if it was like it was last week, won’t be much at all. The quarterback system at LSU has been a concern for fans all year. Jefferson has not played a good game at all this year and he’s the starter every week. Lee has done better, but still not totally confident in him as of yet, will have to wait and see what he can do against a solid defense like Alabama’s before I make any real judgements. However, if Lee / Jefferson can get the ball into Tolliver and the other receivers, that could be the difference in the game because Auburn’s secondary is lacking. Trying to run the ball on a continual basis will not be the smart thing for LSU to do. One of the problems the offense is having is the fact that the play calling is so predictable and the defenses are able to read easily. The play calling definitely needs to vary.
I give it to Auburn on offense, LSU on defense, Special teams goes to LSU, but not by much as Auburn is very good in special teams with alot of talent, coaching goes to Auburn. Miles is a moron any way you look at it. He gambles too much rather than putting together solid game plans. People fuss about Saban, but honestly, that has been alot of Saban’s success is his ability to work with the players on their positions, attitudes, and having solid game plans laid out for every game.
Game is a toss up. I say LSU cause I’m an LSU fan, but Auburn is not a team to be taken lightly. Will be a close call. Auburn has the advantage as they are playing at home and they have the best player(tank) in college football at quarterback. Best of luck to both teams. Geaux Tigers.