In preparation for Saturday’s matchup between Louisiana Tech and Auburn, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Bulldogs and Tigers.

LA Tech front seven vs. Auburn rushing attack

The men from Ruston have given up 141.8 rushing yards per game and 12 touchdowns. Auburn is averaging 262.7 yards per game on the ground and are coming off a game in which they rushed for just 128 yards.

Auburn strayed from what they do against the Wildcats. It never really looked to establish the run, instead asking quarterback Nick Marshall to throw the ball which he did rather erratically in the first half. In its season-opening matchup against another top five team in Oklahoma, LA Tech surrendered 183 yards on the ground on 40 attempts. Look for the Tigers to exceed that number as it looks to return to form on Homecoming in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Bulldogs have recorded 17 tackles-for-loss this season. Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn has said he wants to insert true freshman tailback Roc Thomas into the rotation in the backfield, so look for he, Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant to see significant time on Saturday in a game that should never be in question.