Week three for the LSU Tigers means a trip to the Plains, and Auburn. Over the past few years, LSU has had great success in the Tiger Bowl. This matchup is one that always goes down to the wire, and this year should be no different. For both teams to win, there are three keys to the game.
When LSU Has the Ball:
- Danny Etling needs to be consistent and productive, having officially been named the starter at LSU. This will be his second consecutive start. Last week, Etling showed consistency and productivity throughout the entire game, something LSU fans have been waiting to see from him. The main key to Etling being consistent is to connect on almost every throw he makes in the game. Make tight throws and avoid airing it out to try and run up the score. Although we really haven’t seen Etling throw it deep, we’re all sure he could manage it.
2. Leonard Fournette finishes with 150+ rushing yards: Fournette is a workhorse. If everyone around college football hasn’t figured it out by now, start to pay attention. He can run through tackles and fight for extra yardage, and Auburn is very aware of him being in the backfield getting the ball. For Fournette to have a mark on this game, he needs to finish with no less than 150 rushing yards. It definitely isn’t a mark he can’t accomplish, as he has achieved the 150 mark plenty of times in the past three seasons.
3. Defense has to be on lock: This LSU defense has to be on full lock mode against the Auburn wide receivers on Saturday night. Tre’Davious White, Jamal Adams, and Kevin Toliver all should defend the ball very well and at a consistent pace throughout the matchup. If this defense for LSU can tally a few interceptions, maybe the offense can capitalize.
When Auburn Has the Ball:
- Quarterback Play- This is the major question for Auburn. The quarterback that starts this game better come prepared, or else the defense of LSU will take over and this game will be over in a hurry.
2. Wide Receivers- The receiving corps at Auburn isn’t necessarily “loaded”, but they aren’t half bad either. Their receivers have the ability to get in the open field and score on long plays, something that could give LSU’s defense a major problem.
3. Defense- Auburn’s defense has to get things going early in this game, or Fournette and LSU’s offense will reach the endzone too many times to where Auburn can’t come back to upset LSU.
This is one of the top games on both teams’ schedules each and every season. A pivotal matchup in the SEC West, both teams are looking shaky so far this season. For LSU, their future is somewhat bright. On the other hand, for Auburn, things are going downhill really quickly, and Gus Malzahn is sinking with their ship.
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