SEC Football: Predicting the Final Score of LSU vs. Auburn
By Jonathan Brannon
@jbrannon89
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This year’s Tiger Bowl includes two teams with more differences than similarities, and while it still looks to be a competitive game, look for some current trends to change in this matchup.
The No. 5 Auburn Tigers have done just what they have needed to do and not much more. Many have expected the Auburn offense to take off after an explosive offensive season in 2013. While the numbers aren’t living up to the hype, the fact that the offense is near the top is being overlooked.
The defense, on the other hand, is much improved since last season as Auburn is very stout against the run and making impact plays with seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown. The special teams unit is showing strength as well with two punt returns for touchdowns and an overall solid kicking game.
No. 15 LSU has struggled mightily on offense at times but has had far less trouble when freshman QB Brandon Harris is under center. In fact, head coach Les Miles declared Harris the starter for the Bayou Bengals Saturday in Auburn.
Auburn has had minor quarterback concerns of their own, the majority coming from outside the program. Everyone saw backup QB Jeremy Johnson sling the ball around in Week 1 for 243 yards in the first half. Starting QB Nick Marshall has thrown for 548 yards in four games. Marshall, however, is a proven winner and a much more athletic runner than Johnson. He was expected to perform much better in the passing game, and while he has improved, many are not impressed.
Auburn excels when running the football with Marshall as a threat. LSU gave up over 250 rushing yards to both Wisconsin and Mississippi State, the only real teams LSU has played. If the Tigers in orange and blue can find their running game again, look for them to pull away from LSU after halftime if not earlier.
Prediction: Auburn 45 – LSU 31
Jonathan Brannon is a College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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