Tiger showdown: why auburn could be trouble for lsu

In the South, like it or not, it really does just mean more. And the 59th meeting of the Tiger Bowl, carries that exact feeling. Both (18)LSU and Auburn have seen much better days in their past.

Only a couple years ago did we see what is argued as the best football team in CFB History at LSU with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson winning a national championship in dominant fashion.

On the other hand it's been a while since the glory days of Cam Newton’s BCS win at Auburn. Now in the present, these teams, on paper, feel like they have nothing to play for. But as I said, in the SEC, It Just Means More. 

A rivalry game no doubt that started in 1901 and hasn’t missed a meeting since 1992 has seen its fair share of heat for not being each other’s main rivals. In 1988, resuming the series after a 7 year hiatus, LSU scored a last minute touchdown that sent Deaf Valley into a frenzy so intense it recorded an earthquake on the Richter scale.

From 2000 to 2005, the SEC west was either won or tied by these two teams. In 1999, Auburn smoked cigars on LSU’s field after beating them 41-7. So in 2001, when Auburn came back to Baton Rouge, LSU was ready for revenge. Scuffles occurred both pre-game and at half time including a confrontation with the LSU band. In the end, LSU won 27-14 and to add salt to the wound, they smoked cigars right in the face of Tommy Turberville. While it may not be the first game you think of when you think of cigars, you can still see them around the stadium. 

This year's match up carries plenty of importance, even if playoff hopes for both of these teams are on life support. LSU is trying to save their sinking ship as Lane Kiffen’s team currently sits 5-2 and winning out could sneak them in the playoffs but starts by visiting Jordan-Hare and taking down the team that just defeated the number 1 team in the nation.

Auburn hasn’t had the cleanest season so far losing to Florida and Tennessee but after last week, a momentum shifting win like that could change a team’s trajectory for the season. 

LSU

Sam Levit has been the key to Lane Kiffen’s offense this season. You wouldn’t expect a 6’2, 216lbs unit to be a dual threat quarterback, much less lead the team in rushing touchdowns at 7.

Along with this, Sam has thrown for 148 completions and around 81% completions, both stats lead the SEC. But along with leading those stats, Leavitt also leads in interceptions with 8. While highs, his lows seem to be just as often. The key for him today is taking care of the ball and not hurting his own team on the road.

Auburn

If Sam Leavitt’s key is to take care of the ball, he’s going to have his hands full with a defense who just held the number 1 team in the nation, who averages 43 points, to 24, along with recovering a fumble that led to their victory of Georgia.

The secondary was the key to Auburn’s win last week causing all 3 turnovers including two picks. The main man for Auburn’s defense has been Elijah Melendez who had 9 tackles, a sack, a pick and pass deflected, characteristics of man who was absolute straps and is going to cause problems for LSU.