It didn’t take long for Kendell Beckwith to go from a backup getting a few snaps a week to challenging for a starting role at middle linebacker on the LSU defense. All it took was a chance to show what a wrecking ball he can be on the field.

Even if he doesn’t start this week against Auburn — it’s likely senior D.J. Welter will maintain that role — Beckwith will be needed on Saturday going against a potent offense and one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the nation.

Since last season, Nick Marshall has been the straw stirring the stiff drink that is Gus Malzahn’s offense. Marshall put up more than 3,000 total yards and 26 total touchdowns a year ago in leading Auburn to the national championship game, teaming with Heisman trophy finalist Tre Mason to form the best backfield in the nation. While Marshall and Mason’s replacement, Cameron Artis-Payne, are behind the pace of last year’s Auburn team, they still make for a dangerous duo.

Beckwith’s speed and quickness in the middle of the field will be crucial in helping to contain Marshall and Auburn’s zone-read attack. Limiting the senior quarterback on the ground will be a major factor for LSU. Over the last two seasons, Auburn is 11-0 when Marshall rushes for 50 or more yards, and a more pedestrian 4-2 when their quarterback is held under that number. While defending the zone-read is a task that the entire front seven will have to be up to for LSU, much of the responsibility will fall to Beckwith and the rest of the linebacking corps when Marshall does hold onto the rock.

Over the last several weeks, Les Miles has praised Beckwith’s play, saying that the sophomore has earned himself more playing time after each outing. Beckwith is excited to get another crack at this style of offense, eager to show that the LSU defense has learned from the Mississippi State loss and grown from it. As a middle linebacker, Beckwith will be responsible for getting his teammates ready pre-snap, and then reacting to the ball once the play is off.

“You’ve got to be well-prepared for all the different things they throw at you,” Beckwith told NOLA.com. “But sometimes you’ve just got to be instinctive and just make plays.”

Whether or not he’s able to do that will help decide if LSU can pull an upset on the Plains of Auburn.