A headline game in the SEC this week is expected to be a key variable in how the SEC West is decided.

“This game is always a factor in the SEC West,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said on the SEC coaches teleconference. “I would not be surprised if it’s another one.”

Malzahn called LSU QB Joe Burrow a “good administrator” who’s done a good job with a new team.

On his assistants most responsible for the running game, and Auburn’s quest for another 1,000 yard rushing season for a running back, Malzahn said Tim Horton and J.B. Grimes are, “doing a super job.

“We know what we are getting with Kam (Martin) and Boobee (Whitlow) is learning each week,” the coach said.

About the opposing running back, Nick Brousette, Malzahn said he’s a really good running back, big and strong, and had some big runs against Miami.

Will Hastings and Eli Stove, both coming off of knee surgery, have practiced for three weeks, Malzahn said, and have been gearing up to face LSU and the Auburn coach expects Hastings to make his season debut this weekend.

“I think that’s been his goal and I think he’s ready to go,” Malzahn noted.

Asked about the 2016 LSU-Auburn game, which ended in an 18-13 Auburn win, Malzahn said there were, “Lots of ups and downs. The end was crazy, it was a very good win for us.”

The front seven defense for Auburn, one of the best around, is as advertised, the coach said.

“They have played like we’ve expected them to, disrupting things,” he said. “They are off to a good start.”

Auburn will play host to LSU at 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday on CBS.