Here’s everything you need to know about today’s marquee matchup between No. 15 LSU at No. 5 Auburn.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4
Where: Auburn, Alabama
Game Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Current Line: Auburn (-8)

Game Buzz: LSU has won six of seven over Auburn and the Bayou Bengals look to spoil Auburn’s season with a win at Jordan-Hare Stadium. True freshman Brandon Harris gets the start for Les Miles and faces an Auburn secondary that has had some trouble rushing the passer and has some holes in the back end. Gus Malzahn looks to get his offense back on track with Auburn averaging over 60 yards less per game on the ground over a year ago and a yard per carry less. Auburn receiver Sammie Coates looks to return to form after a nagging knee injury has slowed him though the first four games.

SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH PREVIEWS

LSU Tigers

Players to watch:

  • QB Brandon Harris
  • RB Leonard Fournette
  • RB Kenny Hilliard
  • WR Travin Dural
  • WR Malachi Dupre
  • WR Trey Quinn
  • DT Davon Godchaux
  • DE Danielle Hunter
  • LB Kendell Beckwith
  • LB Kwon Alexander
  • S Jalen Mills
  • CB Tre’Davious White
  • DB Jamal Adams

Keys for LSU:

  • Let Brandon Harris get comfortable. All week, the freshman has showed poise in handling his newfound responsibilities as the starting quarterback, just as he showed poise stepping into the last two games in relief of Anthony Jennings. Getting him into a rhythm slinging the ball around early in the game will be key not just in getting him going, but to help open up the running game. LSU has been a big-play offense throwing the ball, but the way LSU spread the field allowed Harris to make some easy throws last week.
  • Slow down the run. The quickest way for the Bayou Bengals to get blown out is to let Auburn’s running game get going. LSU has been porous against the run, especially against the two legit programs they’ve faced this year in Wisconsin and Mississippi State. Neither of those teams runs with same tempo that Auburn does, which will challenge LSU’s depth along the defensive line. With Quentin Thomas likely out, the Tigers are relying on a true freshman in Davon Godchaux and Lewis Neal, a converted defensive end, to fill in alongside Christian LaCouture. If they can’t hold up, LSU is in trouble.
  • Don’t play desperate. This game, with an over/under line of 58 points, has the potential to be a shootout. Harris can really spin the ball, and has shown an ability to move it downfield that Jennings only flashed on occasion. Even if LSU falls behind early, they have the talent at receiver and under center to get those points back. They can’t panic, though, despite their underdog status.

LSU’s glaring weakness to watch: Defensive tackle. As you read above, the Tigers have a critical lack of depth at defensive tackle after sending several underclassmen to the NFL draft over the last few years. Auburn, despite not being up to last season’s production in the running game, is still dangerous. Nick Marshall and Cameron Artis-Payne lead one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC that will look to get rolling in this divisional tilt.

Most interesting part of this game: How the freshmen perform on the road. This will be the first game in a hostile environment for a big group of impact players for LSU. Les Miles has been reeling in the talent for years, and he’s counting on his youngest players more than ever this season. Led by Harris, the freshmen and sophomores will have to play like seasoned veterans to pull the upset in this wild rivalry.

Team buzz: A week ago, the LSU offense was flat and lifeless until Harris entered the game. As Miles put it, the freshman provided the spark the Tigers have been missing. The entire offense had new life and a serious get-up in their step with Harris running the show, and the fans are just as fired up to have the young signal caller at the helm.

Auburn Tigers

Players to watch: 

  • QB Nick Marshall
  • RB Cameron Artis-Payne
  • RB Corey Grant
  • WR Duke Williams
  • WR Sammie Coates
  • WR/PR Quan Bray
  • LB Kris Frost
  • DT Montravius Adams
  • S Josh Holsey

Keys for Auburn

  • Run the ball. Auburn has to get its run game going and must get more consistent play from the offensive line and H-back positions to open up running lanes for Marshall, Artis-Payne and Grant. Auburn has to get over 200 yards rushing and Marshall needs to eclipse 100 yards to open things up for the Auburn offense.
  • Pressure the quarterback. Harris is making his first start, on the road nonetheless. It’s imperative for Auburn to create pressure and speed the game up for Harris as he’s trying to make decisions.
  • Play with tempo. In its last two games at Kansas State and against Louisiana Tech, Auburn has not been able to play with the type of tempo we’re used to seeing from them. Positive first down yardage will be crucial for Auburn to speed the game up.

Auburn’s glaring weakness to watch: How efficiently will Marshall be able to throw the ball? Look for LSU to focus on Duke Williams, so the likes of Quan Bray, Melvin Ray and Coates – if he’s healthy – will need to step up and provide Marshall with places to throw the ball. LSU’s defensive backs are allowing just 4.7 yards per catch, so yards after the catch could be a difference in the game.

Most interesting part of this game: How does Auburn act early? Gus Malzahn’s team is the favorite over LSU for the first time in a long time and LSU is going to try and establish its presence early. How will Auburn respond and does it look to make a statement early on its home field?

Team Buzz: Auburn’s a little nicked up coming off the win over Louisiana Tech last week and now enters a grueling stretch of its schedule. Marshall and company need its best effort to beat LSU tonight. The orange and blue Tigers have a chance for a big win in the SEC West tonight.