Tag: LSU vs Auburn

According to one report Bo Nix to start against LSU

Looks like Bo Nix gets the start tonight against LSU.

One of the big talking points all week has been which quarterback would take the field against the LSU defense on Saturday. Bo Nix was pulled in favor of former LSU quarterback TJ Finley against Georgia State.

Finley engineered a 98-yard drive to take the lead with under a minute left in the game to avoid the embarrassing loss at home. Going on the road to play a night game in Death Vally, it appears that Nix will resume his role as the starting quarterback despite being pulled a week ago. Tom Green is reporting that the junior quarterback is getting the start over Finley.

Nix, who was benched in the second half of last week’s win against Georgia State, is expected to start against LSU in Auburn’s SEC opener in Baton Rouge, a source familiar with the situation told AL.com. Nix gets the start over LSU transfer quarterback T.J. Finley, who led the Tigers to a win in relief of Nix last weekend.

The interesting dynamic here is going to be how quickly Nix might get yanked if he struggles again.

The game officially kicks off at 8 p.m. CDT from Tiger Stadium. If you are unable to attend the game in person, you can watch all the action on ESPN.

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Matchup numbers: How the offense and defense matchup for LSU-Auburn

One final look at LSU and Auburn matchups.

With the game set to kick-off just hours from now, one final look at the matchup of the two Tigers. A look at how the offense and defense matchup when each team has the ball.

When LSU has the ball

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Offense vs Auburn Defense

Per Game  LSU SEC Rank Auburn SEC Rank
Total Yards 377.5 12th 284.3 4th
Scoring Offense 34.5 9th 15.5 4th
Passing 297.5 5th 185.0 8th
Rushing 80.0 13th 99.3 4th
Third Down Conversion % 38.2 11th 34.6 8th
Red Zone TD% 80 2nd 70.0 12th

It has been a struggle for the LSU offense in terms of total yards and running the football. They are just ahead of Mississippi State in yards per game, they are last in yards per attempt. They need to convert on third down to keep the Auburn offense on the sideline. They are one of the best when they get into the red zone, but the offense needs to sustain drives to give them opportunities.

For Auburn, it is all about slowing down the LSU passing attack with Max Johnson and Kayshon Boutte. Their defense will face a formidable passing game for the first time this season. While they allow a high red zone touchdown percentage, teams haven’t scored a lot against them. The numbers are a bit skewed with games against Akron and Alabama State. This will be a massive test for Bryan Harsin’s defense.

When Auburn has the ball

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn Offense vs LSU Defense

Per Game  Auburn SEC Rank LSU SEC Rank
Total Yards 484.3 3rd 345.5 11th
Scoring Offense 44.0 3rd 22.8 11th
Passing 227.3 9th 237.5 12th
Rushing 257 4th 108.0 5th
Third Down Conversion % 38.2 11th 46.97 13th
Red Zone TD % 64.3 9th 66.7 10th

When Auburn’s offense takes the field, it will be strength vs strength when it comes to the run game. Auburn is 4th in the conference in rushing yards and LSU’s defense is top five in the SEC with just over 108 yards per game. If Auburn can’t run the football effectively, it could cause problems for their offense. They haven’t shown to be a big-time offense when it comes to throwing the football.

For the LSU defense, can they force bad decisions by the Auburn quarterbacks? This season they are +3 in turnover differential. They took the ball away twice to help lead the team to the win against Mississippi State. The defense must slow down the Auburn duo of Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter to force Bo Nix or TJ Finley to throw the ball and give their DBs a shot to take the ball away.

Social media buzz for LSU-Auburn showdown on the Bayou

Social media buzz ahead of the game in Death Valley.

Gameday has arrived in Death Valley for the LSU Tigers. At 8 p.m. CDT, the two Tigers will kick off the SEC showdown. Both teams are coming into the game with 3-1 records. LSU is looking for their second SEC win of the year in as many chances, Auburn is playing in their SEC opener.

Last year it was the worst loss in the series to Auburn 48-11, this time around the Bayou Bengals are looking for a better showing. Max Johnson played in the game last season but TJ Finley started the game. We could see both quarterbacks facing off against each other on Saturday night.

Will history continue to repeat itself? LSU has won every game at home against Auburn since 2001. A look at the social media buzz before the game from Tiger Stadium.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PatrickConnCFB

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.

We have heard from Auburn Wire and the experts on the Saturday night showdown on the Bayou. The staff gets their opportunity to discuss who will win this game in Death Valley.

Whether it is TJ Finley or Bo Nix at quarterback is trivial at this point, it will come down to a few things in this game. None of which really involve them so to speak. Can LSU stop the run game for Auburn, can they take pressure off of Max Johnson, and who will rise to the occassion?

The current line is LSU (-3.5) per Tipico Sportsbook.

Staff Picks

Staff ATS Record Straight Up Record
Patrick C. LSU 2-2 LSU 3-1
Patrick F. LSU 0-0 LSU 1-0
Lance LSU 0-0 LSU 1-0

Next, our staff weighs in with game prediction and their x-factor

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Behind Enemy Lines: Three questions with Auburn Wire’s Zac Blackerby

Let’s go behind enemy lines with Auburn Wire site editor Zac Blackerby.

As the game approaches on Saturday night in Death Valley, Auburn Wire’s editor Zac Blackerby helps get us ready for the game. He answers three questions about the game, let’s kick it all off with the quarterbacks.

Who starts at quarterback for Auburn on Saturday?

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Zac: I think Bo Nix starts when it’s all said and done. Do I think it’s the best move long-term for the program? No. But I believe Nix will be the guy that trots out were against LSU.

Patrick: As I said in the Auburn Wire roundtable, I think it is TJ Finley. Based on how Nix has looked the last couple of games compared to Finely’s final drive against Georgia State. While it is a small sample, I feel like it sends the wrong message to roll with Nix after Finley gave them the win last week.

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Next, which LSU Tiger will cause headaches on Saturday?

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LSU vs Auburn: How to watch, listen, and stream the SEC battle

Here is how you can tune in to the game if you can’t make it to Death Valley.

Will it be time for retribution or will Auburn ruin it with a TJ Finley homecoming?

On Saturday night in Death Valley, the LSU Tigers will be tested when Auburn walks into Tiger Stadium for the SEC showdown. Both teams come into the game with identical 3-1 records. Both losses coming against Power Five teams, who are currently ranked in the top 25. The only difference being that LSU has already started their SEC schedule.

The Bayou Bengals defeated Mississippi State 28-25 in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. Auburn escaped a win over an FCS foe with a 98-yard drive engineered by former LSU QB TJ Finley. It still looks to be up in the air as to which Auburn quarterback will take the field to open the game.

This will be Bryan Harsin’s first SEC experience and the second time in three weeks that his team will venture into hostile territory. The LSU faithful is hoping to bring the energy and force Auburn into an 0-2 start on the road.

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If you aren’t able to make it to Death Valley on Saturday night, here is how you can tune into the game.

How to Watch, Listen, and Stream

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Game Details:

  • Location: Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge
  • Time: 8 p.m. CDT
  • TV: ESPN
  • Radio: LSU Radio Network
  • App: Watch ESPN
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (try it free)

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PatrickConnCFB

LSU vs Auburn: Running Backs Tale of the Tape is David vs Goliath

Comparing the LSU running backs to Auburn’s is like comparing David vs Goliath.

The game on Saturday night will feature teams that use a duo of running backs. The LSU Tigers have been known for running the football in their history, however, since Clyde Edwards-Helaire left it has been a shell of their former selves. To say they struggle to run the football would be an understatement.

Looking on the opposite side of the ball, Auburn runs the ball at will. Their young running back room is getting six yards or more every time they touch the football. This is a tall task for the LSU defense, slow down the run game and force them to take to the passing game.

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When looking at the numbers, you may wonder why LSU keeps trotting out Davis-Price. He dealt with injuries throughout camp and it will likely be ongoing through the season. Kiner has been more impactful but head coach Ed Orgeron is very bullish about Ty Davis-Price remaining as the starter.

To show how abysmal the running game has been for the LSU Tigers, Auburn averages more yards after contact (3.6) than LSU does total (2.86). Once again we are looking for improvement in the run game. Last week against Mississippi State, the Tigers gave up 115 yards to the second-worst rushing attack in the conference. How do you think they will do facing the No. 2 rushing attack that gets 7.04 yards per attempt?

The running back comparison:

Ty Davis-Price Corey Kiner vs Tank Bigsby Jarquez Hunter
6-1 5-10 Ht 6-0 5-10
232 213 Wt 208 202
Junior Freshman Class Sophomore Freshman
40 27 Carries 65 36
123 144 Yards 403 382
3.1 5.3 YPC 6.2 10.6
101 120 YAC 225 142
0 2 TDs 4 2
1 0 Fumbles 1 0

If Auburn is able to run the ball they might be able to slow down the LSU passing attack in that they will see the field less. Running the football and wearing down the defense will keep Max Johnson and Kayshon Boutte on the sidelines, which bodes well for the visiting team.

One key matchup to watch when the game kicks off Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.

Who are the experts picking in the battle of the Tigers?

Who do the experts think will win on Saturday?

Not sure if you are aware or not but the LSU Tigers are having a pretty big game this weekend. After starting 1-0 in SEC play, the Bayou Bengals look to make it 2-0 when they host the Auburn Tigers.

Last season was less than memorable after Auburn handed LSU their worst loss in the series. The home team wants to hand out some retribution for the second week in a row.

LSU has the home-field advantage in this game. They haven’t lost at home to Auburn since that very forgettable season in 1999. The Tigers of LSU own the all-time series, 31-23-1.

We look at who the experts are picking for his game.

LSU Morning Rush: Two players to return against Auburn

The top stories of the day including two LSU Tigers return on Saturday.

We start off this edition of the morning rush with some positive news. The LSU Tigers are getting help in two players who are now eligible. Wide receiver Jontre Kirklin and defensive end Soni Fonua.

Fonua comes back at a good time after losing Andre Anthony to a knee injury. Fonua appeared in four games last season with seven tackles and 0.5 TFL. Coach Ed Orgeron was ecstatic about the additions to his 2021 team.

“We’re very happy,” Orgeron said. “I’m very complimentary of both of those young men. They practiced hard the last four weeks, and they’re eligible. They’re ready to play. I’m excited about that.”

Kirklin joins a wide receiver group that has been very productive. In his Tigers career, the senior wideout has caught 16 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Both players have been practicing over the last four weeks in preparation for the 2021 season debuts. Both will be welcome additions on Saturday night when LSU hosts Auburn.

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The conference announces SEC-Big 12 Challenge TV Schedule

For this year’s challenge, the LSU Tigers men’s basketball team will head to Fort Worth, Texas, to take on TCU. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. CDT and will be aired on ESPN2. The challenge is set for Jan. 29, 2022.

Last year Will Wade’s team finished 19-10 overall and 11-2 at home. This will be his fifth season in Baton Rouge after coming to the Tigers from VCU where he served as head coach from 2015-17.

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Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PatrickConnCFB

LSU vs Auburn: Quarterback tale of the tape

A look at Max Johnson vs the Auburn passers in this week’s QB Tale of the Tape.

The battle of the Tigers on Saturday night in Death Valley will be a homecoming of sorts for TJ Finley. While it remains unclear who the starting quarterback will be, it marks the first game in his home state since transferring to Auburn after spring camp came to a conclusion.

It would be quite the story for the quarterback who played in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. The opportunity to come back home and make his first Auburn start against the team that signed him as a recruit in the 2020 class.

“We know that T.J. is a great young man, a great young quarterback. It looks like he is having a lot of success there. We are happy for him.” – LSU head coach Ed Orgeron on Monday

While no starter has been named as of yet, it could be Max Johnson facing his former competition or Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin could go back to Bo Nix.

Next, we compare the numbers

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