Auburn vs. LSU
Analysis of Quarterbacks
Who is Bert Jones? A consistent signal caller from years ago who was supposed to be the heir to Johnny Unitas. While Jones is an admirable quarterback and some may say Jamarcus Russell may have been a better choice, there's simply no comparison to Cam Newton.
In fact, Cam Newton's ability to throw accurately, throw deep, and throw intelligently combined with his powerful, heavy body that can move at wide receiver speed with running back elusiveness is far and beyond what any quarterback on any other team can offer except for Tim Tebow. So comparing quarterbacks will take a break until Auburn vs. Florida.
Offensive Line vs. Defensive Front Seven
Luckily for this comparison, many of the Auburn offensive line greats competed with the LSU defensive line greats. The only defender LSU offers that would pose a problem for Auburn's line is Glenn Dorsey. At his best, he is unblockable and has the ability to stuff the run and rush the passer. For Auburn, having the dual threat quarterback with the option to pitch to a powerful, blazing fast Bo Jackson would nullify the effectiveness of Dorsey's performance. Combining Newton and Jackson with this o-line would simply dominate the line of scrimmage.
LSU's linebackers would have a very tough time stopping the Auburn rushing attack. With a head of steam, Newton and Jackson would be too powerful to slow down. Not to mention, LSU's greatest linebackers were undersized and fast, and while speed and agility is useful as a linebacker, their speed and agility doesn't match up with the athleticism of Newton and Jackson.
On the flip side, the inside men of Auburn's defensive line would be unblockable by LSU's linemen. Nick Fairly and Glenn Dorsey are very comparable, however, Auburn has the edge by adding a second freak at defensive tackle in Tracy Rocker.
Billy Cannon and Kevin Faulk are both very serviceable running backs and no team would lament having them on their offense; however, they are not legends. They are not top 10, 20, or even 30 of all time in college football lore. LSU would need Auburn's Bo Jackson to make something happen behind the line of scrimmage in order to have a chance at developing an effective run game.
On top of the dominance of Auburn's defensive line, Auburn's linebackers are head and shoulders better than the LSU rushing attack. No matter which of Auburn's legendary linebackers you choose, their tremendous size, strength, and speed would stuff the LSU run game. This would force LSU to open up their passing game.
Receivers vs. defensive backs
Auburn would have already established their rushing attack with Newton and Jackson. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that Auburn could win this if they only ran the ball with Newton and Jackson. 5+ yards a carry with multiple long touchdown runs would not be unexpected.
However, if LSU did manage to force Auburn into a passing situation, I believe they would have the upper hand against Auburn's receivers.
Auburn's receivers are good but not really great when compared to other receivers that have played the game.
There's no denying the fact that LSU's secondary is stout especially at corner. However, this is a moot discussion because LSU would not have the freedom to just defend the pass. They would have to put 8- men in the box, and Newton's accuracy would pick apart the LSU secondary.
For LSU, their receivers would be very tough to defend, but I believe that Carlos Rogers is a good enough shut down corner to prevent Josh Reed from doing too much damage. The size of Dwayne Bowe would create mismatches in the secondary, however, Auburn's defensive line and linebackers would have Jones on his heels. The lack of an effective LSU rushing attack would limit their ability to have consistent pass plays.
Offensive playmakers
No contest. Not even worth a discussion. Cam Newton and Bo Jackson are top five biggest offensive threats not only in the SEC but in the entire history of college football. LSU has a few defensive players to limit this, but Newton and Jackson would put up record numbers.
I do think LSU's back four would limit the big play. LaRon Landry would effectively punish Jackson and Newton for making it down field, but the damage would already have been done.
For LSU, Josh Reed, Michael Clayton, and Dwayne Bowe are all three very dangerous, tall, strong receiving threats down field.
Defensive playmakers
Auburn has a plethora of defensive players that can take over a game. Tracy Rocker and Nick Fairley could handle the line of scrimmage alone.
LSU also has a lot of defensive playmakers but nobody with the ability to take over the game against Auburn's offense.
Verdict
I really think this would be a blowout.
Auburn 49 - LSU 13
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