Thursday, September 14, 2006
The Auburn-LSU Preview
Finally, ESPN gives me something to work with. I guess they are only previewing the HUGE games this season, and this certainly qualifies as one of them. The game is on at 2:30 central on CBS, with the #3 Auburn Tigers hosting the #6 LSU Tigers.
LSU Offense vs Auburn Defense
LSU comes in with some questions in the running game. 4 running backs have shared the load so far (2 veterans returning from ACL injuries, 1 bruiser who has the elusiveness of a school bus, and 1 talented Freshman who can't block or catch yet), leaving LSU's offensive coordinator, Jimbo Fisher, to try to figure out how to establish the run against Auburn's defense. If a consistent running game cannot be established the exploit Auburn's lack of size in the front 7 (and the lack of tackling against the run that the linebacking corps displayed against Mississippi State), expect to see LSU run a large number of screen passes and draw plays to try to catch Auburn being overly aggressive in rushing the QB.
In the passing game, the question is whether or not LSU QB JaMarcus Russell can adequately cope with Auburn's confusing blitz schemes and tough pressure from the defensive ends. LSU's coaching staff should be familiar with the habits of Auburn's defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, from his days as LSU's DC under Nick Saban. The matchup to watch here is Auburn's quick, instinctive DB, David Irons against LSU's very large playmaking #1 WR, Dwayne Bowe. If Irons requires safety help against Bowe, Russell should be able to find open WRs elsewhere down the field.
Auburn Offense vs. LSU Defense
LSU comes in with a very large, capable defensive front 4, backed by a trio of talented sophomore linebackers who may provide quite a challenge for Auburn's Offensive Coordinator, Al Borges, and his attempts to establish the run with Kenny Irons. The offensive line did a poor job of run blocking against Mississippi State, and this front 7 presents an even greater challenge. Auburn's greatest asset in the running game is depth. Borges can give Irons a ton of carries, then substitute Brad Lester without losing much, if any, playmaking ability on the field.
In the passing game, Brandon Cox's primary challenge will be to establish his ability to find open men besides Courtney Taylor, who can expect plenty of double-coverage otherwise. LSU will likely try to bring up a safety in run support against the Irons/Lester combo, so a few deep completions by Cox may be necessary to get the offense rolling.
Special Teams
John Vaughn has been excellent in making Auburn's FG attempts count since last year's 1-for-6 showing at LSU. He is 6-for-7 this year, including 2 good kicks of 50+ yards. Auburn P Kody Bliss may prove himself to be invaluable if the game becomes a tight battle of field position. Robert Dunn and Tristan Davis have established themselves as potentially explosive kick/punt returners.
LSU comes in with solid options in the punting and kick return departments, but faces some uncertainty with regards to FG kicking. Ryan Gauden has only made 1 attempt so far this season, a successful kick of 33 yards. He splits kicking duties with Colt David, who does the shortest kicks and extra point attempts.
Jason's Keys
-LSU's primary vulnerability is QB JaMarcus Russell's tendency to force passes into coverage when pressured. If Auburn's defense can force a couple of turnovers on key passing downs, victory is ours.
-Auburn's primary vulnerability is the lack of WR depth beyond Courtney Taylor. If Cox cannot establish the passing game to his secondary options, LSU will be able to overwhelm Auburn's offensive line and effectively stuff the running game, barring a miraculous showing from Kenny Irons and Brad Lester. We've seen Irons do it before, last year at LSU, when he seemed to run over and through defenders when no holes existed, but that is a tough thing to count on in order to win a game this huge.
-Auburn must contain JaMarcus Russell as a runner. Russell is athletic enough to turn a 3rd-and-9 under pressure into a 20+ yard run for a 1st down if he is allowed to escape from the pocket. He is probably the single most dangerous rushing threat LSU brings into this game, particularly given Auburn's extreme aggressiveness in trying to sack the QB. Containment must be maintained, even at the expense of Russell getting the throw off, particularly since he is likely to make some poor decisions that could lead to a turnover.
Jason's Prediction
I have to admit, I've had a bad feeling about this game all week. Reading the ESPN Insider preview has given me new hope, due to LSU's apparent lack of a coherent rushing attack on offense. I view run defense as a large problem for Auburn while LBs Sears and Blackmon are suspended (booze-related from the offseason), and LSU seems ill-equipped to exploit that weakness. I predict that the dual terrors at DE (Groves and Gunn), some key 3rd down coverstions by Cox, and the Auburn faithful in the stands will be the difference in this game for the Tigers. War Damn Eagle.
Auburn 27, LSU 21
LSU Offense vs Auburn Defense
LSU comes in with some questions in the running game. 4 running backs have shared the load so far (2 veterans returning from ACL injuries, 1 bruiser who has the elusiveness of a school bus, and 1 talented Freshman who can't block or catch yet), leaving LSU's offensive coordinator, Jimbo Fisher, to try to figure out how to establish the run against Auburn's defense. If a consistent running game cannot be established the exploit Auburn's lack of size in the front 7 (and the lack of tackling against the run that the linebacking corps displayed against Mississippi State), expect to see LSU run a large number of screen passes and draw plays to try to catch Auburn being overly aggressive in rushing the QB.
In the passing game, the question is whether or not LSU QB JaMarcus Russell can adequately cope with Auburn's confusing blitz schemes and tough pressure from the defensive ends. LSU's coaching staff should be familiar with the habits of Auburn's defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, from his days as LSU's DC under Nick Saban. The matchup to watch here is Auburn's quick, instinctive DB, David Irons against LSU's very large playmaking #1 WR, Dwayne Bowe. If Irons requires safety help against Bowe, Russell should be able to find open WRs elsewhere down the field.
Auburn Offense vs. LSU Defense
LSU comes in with a very large, capable defensive front 4, backed by a trio of talented sophomore linebackers who may provide quite a challenge for Auburn's Offensive Coordinator, Al Borges, and his attempts to establish the run with Kenny Irons. The offensive line did a poor job of run blocking against Mississippi State, and this front 7 presents an even greater challenge. Auburn's greatest asset in the running game is depth. Borges can give Irons a ton of carries, then substitute Brad Lester without losing much, if any, playmaking ability on the field.
In the passing game, Brandon Cox's primary challenge will be to establish his ability to find open men besides Courtney Taylor, who can expect plenty of double-coverage otherwise. LSU will likely try to bring up a safety in run support against the Irons/Lester combo, so a few deep completions by Cox may be necessary to get the offense rolling.
Special Teams
John Vaughn has been excellent in making Auburn's FG attempts count since last year's 1-for-6 showing at LSU. He is 6-for-7 this year, including 2 good kicks of 50+ yards. Auburn P Kody Bliss may prove himself to be invaluable if the game becomes a tight battle of field position. Robert Dunn and Tristan Davis have established themselves as potentially explosive kick/punt returners.
LSU comes in with solid options in the punting and kick return departments, but faces some uncertainty with regards to FG kicking. Ryan Gauden has only made 1 attempt so far this season, a successful kick of 33 yards. He splits kicking duties with Colt David, who does the shortest kicks and extra point attempts.
Jason's Keys
-LSU's primary vulnerability is QB JaMarcus Russell's tendency to force passes into coverage when pressured. If Auburn's defense can force a couple of turnovers on key passing downs, victory is ours.
-Auburn's primary vulnerability is the lack of WR depth beyond Courtney Taylor. If Cox cannot establish the passing game to his secondary options, LSU will be able to overwhelm Auburn's offensive line and effectively stuff the running game, barring a miraculous showing from Kenny Irons and Brad Lester. We've seen Irons do it before, last year at LSU, when he seemed to run over and through defenders when no holes existed, but that is a tough thing to count on in order to win a game this huge.
-Auburn must contain JaMarcus Russell as a runner. Russell is athletic enough to turn a 3rd-and-9 under pressure into a 20+ yard run for a 1st down if he is allowed to escape from the pocket. He is probably the single most dangerous rushing threat LSU brings into this game, particularly given Auburn's extreme aggressiveness in trying to sack the QB. Containment must be maintained, even at the expense of Russell getting the throw off, particularly since he is likely to make some poor decisions that could lead to a turnover.
Jason's Prediction
I have to admit, I've had a bad feeling about this game all week. Reading the ESPN Insider preview has given me new hope, due to LSU's apparent lack of a coherent rushing attack on offense. I view run defense as a large problem for Auburn while LBs Sears and Blackmon are suspended (booze-related from the offseason), and LSU seems ill-equipped to exploit that weakness. I predict that the dual terrors at DE (Groves and Gunn), some key 3rd down coverstions by Cox, and the Auburn faithful in the stands will be the difference in this game for the Tigers. War Damn Eagle.
Auburn 27, LSU 21
