October 23, 2009

After a week off, the LSU Tigers return to Tiger Stadium to face Auburn at 6:30 pm on Saturday night.

This has been one of the most entertaining series in the SEC over the last 15 years, often with the two teams slugging it out for the division title.  Two years ago, Matt Flynn hit Demetrius Byrd with :01 left on the clock for an LSU victory.  It has been that kind of series.

This year's game doesn't have that feel.  LSU is trying to put the pieces together on offense, and they've had an extra week to do so.  My guess is that it will be more of the same type of plays with an extra importance placed on the running game, especially Charles Scott.  This would open things up for LSU to throw the ball down the field to a very talented group of wide receivers.

However, they have to get better at that.  Most of the deep passes this season have been overthrown, underthrown, or never got off in the first place because the quarterback was sacked or hurried.  Luckily for LSU, this is an area that can be improved upon with extra reps in practice.  Tiger fans hope the two week break was productive.

To the idea of running the football, the Tigers may send in freshman fullback Dominique Allen for his first action of the year.  He goes about 275-lbs., and could provide the needed spark for the power running game.

Those looking to see more of Russell Shepard will probably be dissapointed.  He was sick most of the bye week (though he did participate in the Thursday scrimmage), and though Les Miles says he wants to see more of Shepard, he's said that all year with little results.

Auburn started strong this season, with new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn providing a spark.  Malzahn has an offense that is multiple in its looks, but at its core wants to run the football.  Senior tailback Ben Tate is having his best year as a result of this.

However, the other Tigers started the season with only 74 scholarship players (85 are allowed), and that number has dropped into the high 60's of available players.  As a result, Auburn seems to be sliding.  After winning five straight, they've lost two in a row, and scored fewer points each week they have played a quality opponent.

Kentucky had an easy time running the ball one week ago, and LSU should be able to follow some of that gameplan.  It included lots of "wildcat" formation runs, which I don't expect from the Tigers, but Kentucky ran it right at Auburn as well, so I do expect to see lots of Charles Scott.

It's never easy when these two teams play, but it is usually entertaining.  The Tigers from LSU have the edge, but it will probably be in doubt well into the fourth quarter.