Ad Disclosure
No. 13 LSU moved to 1-0 early in the season with a victory over previously-ranked Mississippi State, and next faces a daunting task in welcoming No. 18 Auburn into Death Valley.
Last year’s meeting between these two Tigers marked Brandon Harris’ first career start for LSU, which resulted in a 41-7 romping at Jordan-Hare Stadium. This time, however, it appears as if the tables have turned a bit.
Early on this season, Harris has played well, albeit in one game against the Bulldogs in Starkville, Miss. On the other hand, Auburn’s Jeremy Johnson has thrown five interceptions in two games, the most for an SEC quarterback since 2009, per the SEC Network, and nearly fell victim to an upset at the hands of Jacksonville State last Saturday.
Expect this Saturday’s showdown to tell us a lot about both No. 13 LSU and No. 18 Auburn. Here are five LSU players to watch:
1. RB Leonard Fournette — Heisman Trophy hopeful? Check. The true sophomore running back posted career-highs in carries (28) and rushing yardage (159) en route to scoring three touchdowns in LSU’s 21-19 victory over Mississippi State last weekend. Fournette averaged a whopping 5.7 yards per carry and served as the focal point of Cam Cameron’s offense. Fournette’s success on the ground alleviates the pressure on his quarterback, Brandon Harris, who in return could make plays as they developed instead of forcing throws. Fournette already is drawing the attention of Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, whose defense allowed 438 yards of total offense to Jacksonville State.
2. LB Deion Jones — Jones was a defensive stopper for the Tigers last week in Starkville, Miss. The LSU linebacker racked up 12 tackles against Mississippi State and helped limit the Bulldogs to 43 yards rushing on 26 attempts. That included Dak Prescott’s minus-19 yards, in contrast to the 103 yards on the ground he posted in last year’s meeting. Jones, along with battery mate Kendell Beckwith, will be key to slowing down Auburn running back Peyton Barber, who has rushed for career-high totals each of the first two weeks of the season, as well as the game-winning touchdown in overtime vs. Jacksonville State.
3. WR Malachi Dupre — Jacksonville State’s Josh Barge and Ruben Gonzalez each posted phenomenal statistical days against the Auburn secondary. Barge hauled in 14 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, while Gonzalez had eight receptions for 101 yards. Additionally, both of Jacksonville State’s receivers were able to get by the Tigers defensive backs for big plays. Dupre is LSU’s downfield threat. Last week, Dupre was held to two receptions for 22 yards, one of which went for 20 yards. If the back end of the Auburn defense is susceptible to big plays, it’ll be up to Harris to find Dupre to spark the LSU offense.
4. OT Jerald Hawkins — LSU’s left tackle may have his hands full as Auburn potentially returns a healthy Carl Lawson into the fold. Lawson, who injured his hip in the season opener against Louisville, was in crutches for last week’s game against Jacksonville State. Lawson, who plays the Buck in Muschamp’s defense, was replaced by Raashed Kennion. Kennion had two tackles, including one for loss. However, he is not the player Lawson is, evident by the four tackles, two for loss, and sack in less than a half of play in the opening game. Hawkins will have to prepare to face off against his toughest test to date in Lawson, who if he plays may not be at full strength.
5. DE Lewis Neal — Auburn may be without starting right tackle Avery Young for a second consecutive week, according to coach Gus Malzahn, who said Young suffered an undisclosed injury in the opener against Louisville. Behind Young on the depth chart is freshman Mike Horton, who may have to deal with Neal on Saturday afternoon. Neal, a 6-foot-2, 264-pound junior end, had a sack and a tackle for loss — both for seven yards — a week ago against Mississippi State. He could be primed for an even bigger day if Young is unable to play again.
Sam Spiegelman is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, LSU and Texas A&M.
