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In preparation for Saturday’s matchup between LSU and Auburn, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between LSU and Auburn.
Brandon Harris vs. Auburn defense
The Auburn defense faces a first-time starter Saturday in LSU’s Brandon Harris, a highly-touted freshman out of Bossier City, La., who has provided a spark for the LSU offense in the time he’s seen this season.
The dual-threat quarterback – whom Auburn recruited – was called a “Mini Cam” by Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. He’s proven to be the better option for Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for an LSU offensive unit that is averaging over 41 points per game.
Harris is completing greater than 73 percent of his passes. He saw mop-up time in the loss to Mississippi State and took over for Anthony Jennings in the win over New Mexico State and has already thrown more touchdown passes than Jennings.
Malzahn has said his team is preparing for both Harris and Jennings, though it’s believed that Harris will be the guy on Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The run game will be critical to the success of Harris, but the Auburn defense has been very good against the run allowing just 90 yards per game. Linebackers Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy are listed as day-to-day, and if for some reason neither one can go, that would be a huge blow to Ellis Johnson’s defense and its ability to create pressure but also dropping back into coverage.
Senior safety Jermaine Whitehead is still out for Auburn. Josh Holsey, who’s performed well, will continue to man his safety spot on Saturday night. His ability to tackle in the open field could prove important against LSU’s playmakers Leonard Fournette, Travin Dural and Malachi Dupri.
If Harris can get protection and play well, LSU will have a good shot to win in Auburn.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
