Staff picks and x-factors for LSU-Auburn on Saturday

Our staff weighs in with their x-factors and predictions for the Saturday night showdown with Auburn.

Patrick Conn, Site Editor

(AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

This game is huge for the LSU Tigers. A win and they head into a brutal stretch with a 4-1 (2-0 in SEC) record. Setting them up for a return to a bowl game for the first time since the National Championship season, although they declined an invite last year.

We know the offense can put up points with Max Johnson and Kayshon Boutte, but can the defense do enough to slow down this explosive rushing attack for Auburn?

X-Factor

For that reason, I will go with defensive lineman Maason Smith as my x-factor in this game. If Smith can rush the quarterback and be disruptive in the pocket, I think that LSU handles the run. Even though Smith is just a freshman, he has already proven to be an issue for opposing offensive linemen.

Prediction: LSU 31-27

Next, Patrick Filbin weighs in