The 2019 edition of the Tiger Bowl is just a few days away. #7 Auburn travels to #2 LSU in Baton Rouge. This battle of the Tigers has huge implications for the remainder of the season. Auburn only has one loss, a 24-13 setback to Florida on October 5th. Freshman quarterback Bo Nix could be in for a rude awakening with an LSU defense that has finally woken up.
2019 Tiger Bowl: LSU Keys to Victory Against Auburn
For LSU, the keys to victory are simple. The offensive line has to allow Joe Burrow to remain in the pocket. The senior quarterback is having a stellar season thus far. Additionally, the running game will have to be elevated once again. We saw it happen a few games ago. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the two freshmen, John Emery, and Tyrion Davis-Prince are going to need their reps in this match-up. On the flip side, Terrace Marshall returns at wide receiver for this game. That gives the Tigers an advantage at the position. LSU has the better receivers all around, regardless. Expect Justin Jefferson, Racey McMath, and Derrick Dillon to have monster games this week. Tight end Thaddeus Moss could use some more catches, too.
On the defensive side, LSU finally found their identity last week against Mississippi State. In the 37-13 win, JaCoby Stevens and Kristian Fulton both had interceptions. Dave Aranda’s unit is getting back into that true elite level they are known for playing. This game against Auburn will present a tough challenge. The defensive front for LSU is going to have to put pressure on Nix. This could be pivotal in eliminating Auburn’s ability to get into the red zone. That’s one aspect the Tigers did well last week in Starkville.
Could Auburn Pull Off An Upset?
For Auburn, the offense needs to get going early. Many see this game being close, despite the spread favoring LSU by 11.5 points. The main key for Nix is to remain consistent in the pocket. LSU’s defense is going to bring pressure. The young freshman has never played in Death Valley. Though he did play at The Swamp in Gainesville, the environment in Baton Rouge could prove to be more intimidating.
Auburn has not beaten LSU in Baton Rouge since 1999. For the streak to continue, LSU’s offense has to click early. Last week against Mississippi State, Burrow and the unit had trouble in their first three trips in the red zone. They came away with three field goals in three attempts. After that, the offense opened up. The rest is history. It’s important that they avoid the slow start in this game. That could potentially cost them in the Tiger Bowl against Auburn. Facing a talented Auburn Tigers team is nothing new to LSU. Last season, it was a close 22-21 game. Cole Tracy was the hero as time expired. The Bayou Bengals have won the last two in the series.
Tiger Bowl: Conference/Playoff Elimination Game
This Tiger Bowl match-up on Saturday has many implications. Auburn is seeking a quality SEC win that would keep them in the conversation for the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. Undefeated LSU is searching to remain undefeated before the star-studded showdown against top-ranked Alabama on November 9. But, it will come down to which defense performs better. Everyone knows how elite this LSU offense is. Averaging over 50 points per game is a great statistic for the Bayou Bengals. This game on Saturday can’t come fast enough. It’s almost time for LSU/Auburn Tiger Bowl 2019 edition. Buckle up, the bulk of the college football season is here and in full swing.
