LA Tech Vs. Auburn Preview: Will Auburn Start Off Strong?

This is the final article of the series, and today is my preview of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers.

This preview will be different for me.  Normally I start off with listings of each position, compare, and give an edge to one side or the other. 

The problem this game?  I have no clue what Auburn will do.  To try to compare what LA Tech has and Auburn has would be like comparing what I have in my bank account to Bill Gates. 

So I offer these points and match ups to look for if your watching from home:

1.  Matching Auburn's Rush Offense vs. LA Tech's Rush Defense

This is the focal point of the game. As I have mentioned in this article, Auburn has to get the running game going in order for the offense to succeed. Look for Ben Tate, Mario Fannin, and Onterio McCalebb to carry the rock for the Tigers. 

The front four of LA Tech, Tackles D'Anthony Smith and Mason Hitt and Ends Matt Broha and Christian Lacey, can cause problems with the offensive line. Smith and Hitt are two big men in the middle that can stuff the run, but help from LA Tech's linebacker corp maybe a concern for the Bulldogs.

2.  Auburn keep LA Tech guessing.

If the first one goes well for Auburn, the ability to go deep and open passing routes should occur.  Chris Todd will have opportunities to showcase that re-built arm, and have the young wide receivers showcase their skills. 

LA Tech does have a few veteran defensive backs, most notable free safety Antonio Baker.  Again, the linebackers may have problems covering the Tigers, especially if you have a player like Fannin or tight end Tommy Trott in the slot.

3.  LA Tech's quarterback Ross Jenkins and running back Daniel Porter.

Jenkins is not the biggest name in the bunch as far as quarterbacks, but he does not turn the ball over.  He only threw three interceptions last year out of 174 pass attempts, and threw for 1,155 yards last season. 

His counterpart behind him, Porter rushed with 1164 yards last season, and can catch the ball in a pinch. 

Auburn's job on defense? Contain Porter, and apply pressure on Jenkins. Auburn's front four (Antonio Coleman, Jake Ricks, Mike Blanc, and Michael Goggins) are solid, and should be able to put enough pressure on Jenkins.

4.  Starting early for Auburn

Head coach Gene Chizik has already said if Auburn wins the toss, he will elect to receive the ball in the first half.  If Auburn does get the ball first, just moving the ball down the field will be a big confidence boost to the Tigers.

If Auburn scores, that gets everyone involved early, including the crowd.  Drawing first blood never became so critical in a football game until today.

Prediction:

For all the talk about preparing and being wary of LA Tech, the attitude here on the Plains is quite calm. What I think is important, and what last year's team never really achieved, is just to go out there and play football.

Auburn needs to have fun with the game.  There will be first game jitters. There will be some sloppy plays from both sides. All in all, when you line it up, Auburn's starting 22 is better than LA Tech's 22. 

Barring some horrible injury, not only do I see Auburn winning this game, I see them covering the 13 and 1/2 point spread. Auburn will make two big plays, one in the air and one on the ground, leading to scores. 

Auburn is the bigger unknown going into this game, which they will use that to their advantage. 

Auburn 28, LA Tech 14