EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Overview:

On Saturday, September 15^th, the (2-0) LSU Tigers will be on the road to take on the (2-0) Auburn Tigers.

The Crowd:

The Crowd projects a final score of Auburn 29.7 – LSU 22.9 with an over/under of 52.6.

Lou Holtz and Mark May:

Lou is predicting a final score of Auburn 17 – LSU 14.

Mark is predicting a final score of Auburn 27 – LSU 22.

2018-19 Statistics (130 total teams):

Passing offense: Auburn 205.5 YPG > LSU 145.5 YPG

Rushing offense: Auburn 288.0 YPG > LSU 170.0 YPG

Scoring offense: Auburn 42.0 PPG > LSU 32.0 PPG

Scoring defense: LSU 8.5 PPG > Auburn 12.5 PPG

Passing defense: LSU 224.0 YPG > Auburn 227.0 YPG

Rushing defense: LSU 74.0 YPG > Auburn 74.5 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: Auburn +2.0 = LSU +2.0

Summary:

Auburn has an impressive win over ranked Washington and a blowout victory over Alabama State.  Quarterback Jarrett Stidham probably has nightmares over last year’s ugly performance against LSU but I expect him to rebound.  Stidham has pro potential and on the season has completed 68% of his passes for 386 yards with two touchdowns to zero interceptions.  Running backs JaTarvious Whitlow and Shaun Shivers lead a ground game that is averaging 5.5 yards per carry.  Auburn’s defense has been terrific especially when they held a Washington team full of playmakers to just 16 points.  The front seven of Auburn is tremendous and could stymie the LSU rushing attack.

LSU knocked off the ranked Miami Hurricanes and shut out Southeastern Louisiana last week.  Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow has struggled completing just 47% of his passes for 291 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.  Nick Brossette has taken over the lead back role for Derrius Guice and has really impressed in the early going.  LSU’s speed and athleticism on defense is something to behold and cornerback Greedy Williams is the best in the nation at his position.  The Tigers’ defense was able to get pressure on Miami quarterback Malik Rosier all game and will have to do the same to Stidham if they want a chance to pull off the upset.

Bottom Line:

Auburn’s imposing defensive line could make life difficult for the LSU running backs hence forcing quarterback Joe Burrow to make plays in the passing game.  Burrow has struggled with his completion percentage but the LSU offense has been very efficient in the redzone.  Stidham has the experience and a chip on his shoulder after last year’s clunker.  This should be a close one but I like Auburn by a field goal at home.

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