LSU vs. Auburn: Game Grades, Analysis for Auburn and LSU
Auburn continues to play great football as they dominated LSU 41-7. The final box score can be found here thanks to NCAA.com.
From offense, defense and special teams, Auburn played great football and showed no signs of slowing down despite a very tough schedule. As for LSU, it’s clear Les Miles has a lot of work to do in order to get back as a contender in the SEC West.
Here are some game grades and analysis for LSU and Auburn.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
| Passing Offense | F | D- | ||
| Running Offense | C | C | ||
| Passing Defense | D | D | ||
| Running Defense | F | F | ||
| Special Teams | C | C | ||
| Coaching | D | D- |
Passing Offense
Brandon Harris was supposed to give a spark for LSU, but he fell flat, as he completed only three of his 14 pass attempts for 58 yards. He was overthrowing his receivers and never looked comfortable in his first start. Anthony Jennings came in during the second half and fared a little better, completing five of 10 passes for 84 yards. But he was fighting an uphill battle because the Auburn defense put a ton of pressure on him.
Running Offense
The running game for LSU was OK, but it could have been better. LSU was facing a tough Auburn run defense, but they needed to run the ball better to take the pressure off Harris. The LSU offensive line could not contain the Auburn defensive line, and that led to the running backs for LSU not getting anything going all night long.
Passing Defense
It was not a good night for the LSU secondary, to say the least. The group gave up explosive plays, and they had no answer for Sammie Coates, who had 144 receiving yards and one touchdown. The secondary is a young group that needed help from the front seven in terms of getting pressure on the quarterback, which did not happen.
Running Defense
LSU had fits with stopping Mississippi State two weeks ago in terms of the run game, and it was no different with Auburn as the Tigers rushed for 294 yards. The defensive line and linebackers are talented, but they don’t have that leader who will rally the troops and pull everyone together when things are not going their way. Lamar Louis and Kwon Alexander had 15 total tackles, but they were getting the tackles when guys like Marshall and Artis-Payne already got to the second level of the defense.
Special Teams
This would have been a game when LSU could have used some big plays on special teams. Jamie Keehn had to punt eight times, and he was the only kicker who saw any action for LSU. The coverage teams were solid, and Trent Domingue did have two returns for 129 yards. But because of the lack of offensive and defensive production, the special teams also took a step back.
Coaching
While Gus Malzahn had his team prepared, the same can’t be said for Les Miles. Starting Harris on the road against Auburn was a gamble, and it failed. The coaching staff really did not make any adjustments after the first half, and their clock management—especially at the end of the first half—was questionable. In order for LSU to not fall down in the standings, the coaches have to prepare the players better for a tough SEC schedule.
| Passing Offense | A | A | ||
| Running Offense | A | A+ | ||
| Passing Defense | A | A- | ||
| Running Defense | B | B | ||
| Special Teams | A | A | ||
| Coaching | A | A |
Passing Offense
We always talk about Auburn’s running game, but they are very dangerous through the air. Nick Marshall threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns, while backup Jeremy Johnson threw for 61 yards and completed all three of his passes. Both quarterbacks made great decisions, and the offensive line gave them plenty of time to sit in the pocket and pick the LSU defense apart.
Running Offense
Auburn did not shy away from the run game, tallying 294 yards on the ground. Marshall had 119 yards and two touchdowns, while Cameron Artis-Payne rushed for 126 yards. Because the passing attack was so good, Marshall and Artis-Payne ran at will, and the LSU defense was worn down in the second half.
Passing Defense
The Auburn defense was stout all game long, and it with shutting down Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings. Auburn allowed only 142 yards through the air because the secondary forced both LSU quarterbacks to make bad decisions and the defensive line never made either quarterback comfortable despite getting only one sack.
Running Defense
LSU was able to run for 138 yards, but it was almost empty yards because no running back had more than 42 yards. Led by Montravius Adams, the Auburn defensive line whipped the LSU offensive line, which led the run game for LSU to never get going. It was a big night for the Auburn defense and they should get a lot of credit for their production.
Special Teams
Daniel Carlson had a productive night as he punted three times and made two field goals. He always gave Auburn an opportunity to either make plays on defense or having the chance to score points. Quan Bray did not have any big returns, but it did not matter because the offense was so strong, they could score from anywhere on the field.
Coaching
Malzahn had a great game plan against LSU. He used a balanced attack of running and passing on offense, and LSU was always on its heels. But credit also has to go to defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. The Auburn defense knew what LSU was going to run, and they completely shut them down. It was the best defensive game Auburn has played all season long, and it was because of the game plan of Johnson.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
