Auburn vs. LSU: New QB Clint Moseley Won't Save Auburn O in the Bayou

Considering how few starters returned from last year’s national champs, Auburn’s 5-2 start has been a solid showing. It should come as no surprise to anyone, however, that the Tigers’ passing game has been feeling the loss of Heisman winner Cam Newton.

The inconsistency of quarterback Barrett Trotter (pictured) has led the coaching staff to bench him for Saturday’s meeting with LSU. Clint Moseley, a sophomore who has attempted just nine passes on the season, will get his first career start in Baton Rouge.

Trotter has thrown six interceptions against just 10 touchdowns on the season, and Auburn is ranked 106th in the nation in passing yards. The junior hasn’t been helped any by injuries in the receiving corps (though Emory Blake is projected to make his return this weekend).

Moseley, meanwhile, becomes the second SEC quarterback this season to make his first career start in the bayou, and past precedent doesn’t bode well for Auburn. Florida’s Jacoby Brissett threw for just 94 yards and was picked off twice while filling in for injured John Brantley and Jeff Driskel two weeks ago.

While it’s entirely possible that Moseley will prove a worthwhile long-term replacement for Trotter, this will not be the week to find out. LSU’s defense has too many playmakers for an inexperienced quarterback to stay afloat in a road game.

Michael Dyer and the Auburn running game are so good that even LSU may not be able to stop them altogether. Still, it’s hard to see the visitors putting up much more than the 11.7 points LSU has allowed on average this season.

LSU’s offense may not be up on the same lofty plateau as its defense, but it won’t have any problem putting up enough points to win on Saturday.