As we enter the back half of the season and prepare for a trip to the dreaded swamps of Red Stick, we gather as the leaves turn, the air carries an autumnal crispy snap, and ask ourselves, the Auburn faithful, where things stand with this team.
Fact #1: Auburn's defense is good, at times very good. They play with tenacity, they flow to the ball, they hit hard. They also get out of position, whiff on tackles, and are left on the field a lot because of (points to Fact #2 below). Against an offense like this led by the best QB in the league this year, it's going to be an incredible challenge. LSU's OL isn't great and can be had, but Daniels equalizes so much of the pressure because he can move and throw on the run. He doesn't gift wrap turnovers, so that's not a sustainable plan. Keeping everything in front of them is the defense's primary objective this week. Can't give up freebies. Also, tackling matters. Do that.
Fact #2: Auburn's offense is one dimensional. That's just how it's going to be. The WRs don't have good hands (all the drops) and the QBs are under fire quickly after the snap. The good news is the LSU defense is Swiss cheese of the Jitney Jungle variety (full of holes and stinks). Employing the misdirection run game should provide opportunities to move the ball. Sustained, time-eating drives that end in scores (more 6s than 3s, preferably) should be the game plan. If we get down by more than a score early, that could portend a bad night on the Bayou.
Assumption #1: Auburn coming in rested could give them an edge. LSU has taken lumps all year, barely got out of CoMo alive, and needs a break. They don't get one until the end of the month, so the full toll of the season is there's to carry into this game. They also need a win, badly. Ever watch a Brian Kelly coached team when they need a win? It doesn't go well. His pucker up factor is well-established. I'm just saying, there's a chance.
Assumption #2: The national media are going to ignore this game - hard. The few who give it any credence will dismiss it quickly, remind everyone Auburn never wins in Moulin Rouge, and that Hugh Freeze once ordered hookers on the Papa John's app while picking LSU to blow out Auburn. (As of this writing, LSU is an 11.5 point favorite in the game.) Auburn will have all the bulletin board material available. Can this staff harness that and create the proper motivation?
The path to victory is not easy, but it is simple. Play keepaway on offense, grind the ball and clock. On defense, don't give up the big play, take advantage when opportunity presents, make them drive the field all game.
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