LSU vs. Auburn a Lot More Intriguing with Emergence of Brandon Harris

Prior to Week 5, LSU's game at Auburn looked like it would be more of a pushover for the Tigers from Auburn than an intriguing matchup.

After all, Auburn—which ranks third in the conference in rush defense (90.75 YPG)—can follow the same blueprint Mississippi State used to stomp LSU in Death Valley—a punishing run defense and back end that can take advantage of miscues.

LSU head coach Les Miles threw a curveball on Saturday night against New Mexico State, when he brought in true freshman quarterback Brandon Harris in for Anthony Jennings and left him in until it was time for mop-up duty.

All Harris did was complete 11 of 14 passes for 178 yards, three touchdowns and no picks, rush for 36 yards and score two rushing touchdowns. Harris brings what Jennings can't: consistency in the passing game and more of a home run threat on the ground.

“It seemed like everything was clicking when I was in the game," Harris said in quotes released by LSU. "I told [punter] Jamie [Keehn] that we weren’t going to make him punt that often in the game tonight. It was an amazing feeling.”

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Meanwhile, Jennings went 2-for-5 for 11 yards, two interceptions and one fumble in the first quarter.

"Anthony Jennings is going to have to get better, and we are going to insist on it," Miles said in quotes released by LSU. "I hope he has not lost his confidence. Some of the things that he did and certainly the fumble is certainly one of those things that you cannot do."

Miles announced on Monday that the status quo won't remain. Harris will get the first snaps of the game when the Tigers travel to Auburn to take on the defending SEC champs, according to Shea Dixon of 247Sports.com.

It's the right move.

Sometimes stats lie, but in this case they don't. Harris is the quarterback of the future and the present.

The Tigers have responded well with Harris in the game in each of their last two outings, he's shown that he's a reliable and consistent passer and makes quick decisions when the heat is on. He's developed a chemistry with several receivers, including sophomore Travin Dural and true freshman Malachi Dupre—who now has nine catches for 197 yards and four touchdowns.

Basically, he's exactly what LSU needs on the road at Auburn.

Is it a risk starting a true freshman on the road in a hostile environment in what amounts to a must-win game?

Absolutely. Starting Jennings, though, is a riskier proposition.

Player	Comp./Att.	Comp. %	Yds.	TDs	INTs
Brandon Harris	22-of-30	73.3	394	6	1
Anthony Jennings	42-of-83	50.6	734	5	3

Don't sleep on LSU's chances on the Plains.

We've seen fire (1996), hurricanes (2004) and earthquakes (1988) in this rivalry over the last few decades.

A true freshman winning on the road wouldn't be the most shocking development in the world.

That, of course, depends on Miles not playing musical quarterback with him.

Barrett Sallee is the Lead SEC college football writer and video analyst for Bleacher Report, as well as a co-host of the CFB Hangover on Bleacher Report Radio (Sundays, 9-11 a.m. ET) on Sirius 93, XM 208.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats are courtesy of cfbstats.com, and all recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports. Follow Barrett on Twitter @BarrettSallee.