Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
A year ago, it was unlikely that you would see an LSU Tigers score more than 30 points in an SEC game. In fact, the Tigers score over 30 points just two times in SEC play and nearly got shut out by the Florida Gators. However, this is a new season and the offense is better and so are the Tigers — scary thought.
On the other side of the field, the Auburn Tigers had a nightmare season in 2012, just a couple years removed from their national title, finishing the season 3-9 with an 0-8 record in SEC play. Gus Malzahn is the new coach in charge and the Tigers have already matched their win total from a season ago through three weeks with a 3-0 record.
Quarterback Zach Mettenberger has seen somewhat of a resurgence in his senior year and second year as starting quarterback. Before the season, not many people believed in Mettenberger, but his 797 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions through three games has made some believers. Odell Beckham has been Mettenberger’s favorite target with 330 receiving yards on 15 catches and four scores. Don’t forget about fellow wide out Jarvis Landry who has 17 catches for 246 yards and five scores this season.
Auburn’s offense is returning five starters from last season and it hardly shows as they have improved in every major statistical category. Junior quarterback Nick Marshall is the leader on offense and he has completed over 60 percent of his passes for 585 yards and four scores in his first season as the school’s starting signal-caller. The run game is in good hands as junior running back Corey Grant has exploded out of nowhere with 24 catches for 230 yards and two score — a 9.6 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Auburn Tigers return nine starters from a middle-of-the-pack squad from a season ago. However, they allow over 17 points per game, which isn’t bad, but they have allowed 400 yards or more in each of their first three games. LSU’s defense is rock-solid. There’s no way around it. They have yet to allow over 300 yards in any game this year while giving up just 19 points per game.
Auburn will travel to LSU to take on the Tigers at 7:45 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game will be aired on ESPN.
PREDICTION: Auburn 17, LSU 31
Related: LSU Tigers: Offense Carrying Load
Auburn Tigers Back to Winning Ways
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
