LSU vs. Auburn Football 2009
Auburn in Need of Win in Baton Rouge
Auburn lost at Arkansas two weeks ago, which was followed by a loss to Kentucky last Saturday.
A win over No. 9 Louisiana State would really boost Auburn, but the problem is that LSU is not going to roll over and give it to them. LSU’s only loss this season was to the defending national champion Florida Gators, who are currently No. 1 in the BCS poll.
LSU had this past week off and will be well rested and prepared for their matchup with Auburn. It also does not help Auburn that the game is at Death Valley, which is one of the most hostile environments for teams to play in.
LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson will be coming out to try and prove a point this Saturday after not scoring a single passing touchdown in the past two games. His line has not given him a lot of help though, which led to him being sacked 11 times in the last two games.
The Tigers also need to get their running game to play more consistent. They are averaging only 123.8 yards a game rushing, which is 43 yards under last season’s average.
LSU was held to 66 yards by the Gators and that is not even the worst that they have done this year. Mississippi State held the Tigers to only 30 rushing yards, but LSU still got the win.
Auburn’s rushing game has been solid all year and ranks seventh in the nation in total rushing yards per game. Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb have played great overall this year except for the past two games. Kodi Burns has also helped in the wildcat formation.
Auburn came out looking much improved with Gene Chizik taking over as head coach, but the past two games looked more like last year’s team that finished 5-7. Auburn lost to Arkansas two weeks ago followed by a loss to Kentucky.
Defeating LSU would be a big boost for Auburn’s team, but if they play like they did the past two weeks then the rest of this season is going to start looking similar to last season.
Chris Todd has thrown for 12 touchdowns and two interceptions this season, but if he is unable to get Auburn off of its losing streak then he may be replaced by Kodi Burns like last season. Despite his problems in the past two games, Todd is still fourth in the SEC in passing yards and third in passing efficiency.
Todd should be able to play well as this game is very important for his squad if they want to finish the season strong. LSU also needs this win, which is why this game should be a tight contest.
SEC West Implications
Alabama and LSU lead the SEC West right now and this game could have big implications onto who makes the SEC championship game at the end of the season.
Auburn has Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama still on their schedule after this weekend. LSU also has Alabama, Ole Miss and Arkansas left ahead. This game along with those big matchups will decide who will represent the SEC West in December.
The last five meetings were decided by a combined 19 points, with LSU winning three of them. Auburn has lost in its last four trips to Baton Rouge.
LSU will likely win this matchup, but there is a lot on the line for both teams. If Auburn comes out and plays as they did in the start of the season then this could make for a big upset between these two SEC West rivals.
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