LSU vs Auburn: Featured Matchup

Much of the discussion leading up to this Saturday’s tilt between LSU and Auburn has focused on how the LSU defense will handle Auburn’s read-option offense. While that is certainly a concern, equally important is how the offense will fare. Here, we will focus on the LSU offense, lead by newly-named starting quarterback Brandon Harris, and how it matches up against the Auburn defensive unit.

LSU is coming off a 63-point, 563-yard performance against New Mexico State last week. That number includes 363 yards rushing, 200 yards passing. Gaudy numbers indeed, but how much of that can the Tigers expect to duplicate against an SEC defense in Auburn?

In LSU’s only SEC game thus far this season, a loss to Mississippi State, the offense was able to muster only 89 yards rushing. This was somewhat counter-balanced by 341 yards passing, thanks to 140 yards that came late from Brandon Harris. No question about it, though, the rushing yards need to better this Saturday, and the offense balanced.

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Let’s take a look at some stats.

Over five games, LSU is averaging 41.4 points per game (17th nationally), and 463 yards per game (40th nationally). The yardage breaks down to 236.6 passing yards per game (66th nationally), and 226.2 rushing yards per game (21st nationally).

Over four games, Auburn on defense is allowing 16.3 points per game (15th nationally), and 313 yards per game (20th nationally). The yardage allowed breaks down to 222.5 passing yards per game (52nd nationally), and a very strong 90.8 rushing yards per game (14th nationally).

Based on the numbers, it would appear that LSU should have success in the passing game. Harris thus far on the season has been terrific, going 22-of-30 for 394 yards, with 6 touchdowns and only one interception. Remember that he led the Tigers to seven straight touchdown scoring drives last week, and including his action in the Mississippi State game, he has led our purple and gold heroes to touchdowns on nine of his last ten drives. Not bad for efficiency. Now, whether he can do this against the other Tigers is another story.

Sep 6, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Darrel Williams (34) runs against the

Sam Houston

State Bearkats during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Sam Houston 56-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The good news in the passing game is that Malachi Dupre has emerged as another threat at wide receiver, joining Travin Dural as two reliable go-to receivers. Dural leads the team with 534 yards on 21 receptions and 5 touchdowns; Dupre is second with 197 yards on 9 receptions with 4 touchdowns. Trey Quinn and John Diarse are also in the mix.

In the running game, LSU absolutely must perform better if there is any prayer of prevailing at Jordan-Hare. Issues on the offensive line with run-blocking have been apparent, although, the line has performed much better with Harris under center. LSU will surely lean heavily on its four-back rotation, led by Leonard Fournette, the Tigers’ leading rusher with 322 yards on 56 carries (a 5.6 yards per carry average) with four touchdowns.

Four other Tigers have rushed for more than 100 yards on the season, and don’t forget that Harris is a threat to run on the read-option. Darrel Williams has emerged as a reliable runner who can do some damage.

This Saturday, perhaps we will see LSU passing more on first down to set up shorter second down distances, and to use the passing game to open up the running game. Harris has shown great ability to improvise, and can keep plays alive, whether with his feet, or in finding a receiver. The Bayou Bengals have been average on third downs so far, converting 41.9% of the time (26-of-62). The key will be in sustaining drives, thus allowing the LSU defense to rest.

It is likely that Auburn will be able to put up some points on the LSU defense. If LSU can answer offensively, the greater the chances of the purple and gold Tigers escaping the Plains with a W.

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