Auburn-LSU Preview: The Battle for SEC West Dominance Commences

OVERVIEW

LSU Tigers 2-0 (0-0) vs. Auburn Tigers 3-0 (1-0)

Location: Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium

Time: 6:45 p.m. CDT

TV: ESPN2



LSU TIGERS
Head Coach: Les Miles (fourth season)

Conference: Southeastern Conference

Key Players to Watch: QBs Andrew Hatch and Jarett Lee, RB Charles Scott, WRs Brandon Lafell and Demetrius Byrd, S Harry Coleman and DB Chris Hawkins.

LSU has played two games, winning both convincingly over Appalachian State and North Texas. The team has gone through problems with Hurricane Gustav in Baton Rouge. The Bayou Bengals have not won in Jordan-Hare since 1998.



AUBURN TIGERS

Head Coach: Tommy Tuberville (10th season)

Conference: Southeastern Conference

Key Players to Watch: QB Chris Todd, RB Ben Tate, WRs Montez Billings and Robert Dunn, the Auburn defense.

Auburn comes off a 3-2 victory over Mississippi State in where 12 penalties and three turnovers kept the game close with the Bulldogs. Auburn does have home-field advantage, which has been the difference in close games.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Battle of the Tigers will feature these great matchups:


Quarterbacks: Even

Andrew Hatch and Jarett Lee are two new quarterbacks that are feeling their way into the offense. They have yet to see an SEC defense. Chris Todd for Auburn struggled last week in consistency, but did manage decent numbers.

Running Backs: Auburn

Charles Scott is definitely one of the best of the SEC. So is Ben Tate. Auburn gets the slight edge in this matchup with more depth.

Wide Receivers: Even

Brandon Lafell and Demetrius Byrd are two cornerstones for the LSU offense. Auburn has effectively spread the ball amongst other players, making it dangerous when the offense clicks.


Offensive Line: LSU

This matchup would be even if Auburn did not commit so many mistakes on the offensive line last week. LSU gets the slight edge here, and have allowed only one sack this season.

Defensive Line: Auburn

Both defensive lines are very good. Auburn gets the slight edge here due to their consistency in harassing opposing quarterbacks. Plus seven sacks in three games is nice as well.

Linebackers: Auburn

Again the linebacker corps for both teams are very good. Auburn's linebackers (Tray Blackmon, Merrill Johnson, Craig Stevens, Chris Evans) have more tackles this season, and have been more explosive.

Defensive backs: Even

Both teams have exceptional secondaries. Harry Coleman, Chris Hawkins, and Phelon Jones are the top tacklers for LSU, while Jerraud Powers, Zac Etheridge, and Walter McFadden top the Auburn secondary in tackles.

Special Teams: Even

Auburn has been somewhat inconsistent with field goals, while LSU has had trouble with punting. Both teams have explosive punt returners (Trindon Holiday for LSU, Robert Dunn for Auburn)

Coaching: Even

Both coaches know how to win big games. This game is always big, and each coach has had their ups and downs with this series.




FINAL ANALYSIS

Expect nothing less but another knock-down drag out battle for the SEC West lead. A coin flip may have a better chance of predicting this game. One thing does stand out though, Auburn is playing inside friendly confines.

Final Score:
Auburn 7, LSU 6