LSU run defense is #1, scoring defense is #1, and blocks #4 along with a HUMONGOUS turnover difference between the two teams. That's what Vegas saw when they put out the spread. Auburn will turn the ball over more than LSU will and Marcus Randall won't be in the game until late. Campbell will be running for his life. Twenty or so pops under his chinstrap will knock the remaining cigar smoke outta him.
All these stats and rankings an stuff is just bunk. AU can run the ball and run it well. LSU has a great D. It will be a great clash. BUT! The thing that I think that most are missing is that while AU will run the ball well, they won't score many points. Unless they break off big runs (which is possible against our blitzing D), they may not put the points on the board that are necessary to win. They may get 150 yards rushing or they may get 250 yards rushing. Doesn't matter. They need more than 17 points. Can they do it? That is the big question. As far as LSU, I don't think that our running game is nearly as formidable as some of us LSU fans are thinking that it is. We went into USC and ran some stuff that worked well for the new TBs that we have. USC was not ready for it. AU will be. I don't think that we get more than 100 yards on the ground unless Mauck adds to that via the scramble. So the key is Mauck. I am worried. He has had trouble in big games this year (UGA, FL). I think that he is a bit of a head case. Will his deep ball be accurate like it was against the weaker opponents or will he miss the broad side of a barn as he has the last couple of games? My main questions are: 1. Will AU be able to get the much needed TDs when they get the chance? Blow a few of those and LSU may blow them out. 2. Will Mauck self destruct against a powerful D or play up to his ability and get the ball to the receivers. If so, Lights Out! LSU wins. 3. If LSU gets an early lead, does AU abandon the run and lose. Or does LSU become too conservative and allow AU to get back into the game? I am not worried too much about an early AU lead. We can throw the ball and get back in it. I am also not worried about AU wearing down our D. We are deep.
Both teams are good teams. Games like this usually boil down to mistakes. Whichever team makes the least mistakes wins.
I don't think Mauck is a head case at all. I find that he's very stable, although his down-field passes were off the mark last week (everyone on offense was lousy against Florida--spread the blame.) We won't see Marcus Randall unless the unthinkable happens, and Mauck is injured. If you want to talk about an uncomposed QB, he is the perfect example. The only times he's been in this year is with a big LSU lead, and he still looks intimidated and scared. I was happy to see Mauck run the ball some at USC. That's the first time I've seen him do that all year. Remember how effective his scrambles were in the SECCG? His mobility is a plus. Our Auburn friend felt he was getting barraged by stats, but he was the first one to mention our #1 defense. That's what we had going into last year's game with Auburn, and Marcus Randall's 4 interceptions helped prove that rankings and stats don't mean a thing. Geaux Tigers!
I think there is way too much attention being given to the AU rushing attack. Yes, this is our bread and butter and we have made much improvement running the ball since the first 2 games. However, my gut tells me that AU is setting the trap. We want everyone to think run run run. When the box is stacked, this will open up the short passing game. With our OL playing well right now, I think AU comes out passing the ball. Look for the tight ends to be brought into the picture, which is something we havent done much, so far this year. Also look for AU to let Campbell loose. He appears to have been coached this year to stay in the pocket or throw the ball away. Expect Campbell to tuck and run against an aggressive and fast defense. Just a hunch but I think AU tries to loosen the defense by throwing first (outlets, screens and high % passes, along with letting Campbell tuck it) to set up the run. If this happens, the trap has worked and our RB'S will have a big night. If it doesnt, it could be a long night for AU. The first goal of AU will be to take the crowd out of it. To accomplsih this we must be unpredictable to start with. At this point the only unpredictable thing we can do is pass the ball!!
I agree with aubie, if I was tt I would try to establish the pass to open up the run, knowing everyone is expecting the run, AU should pass the first couple of series then go to the run. JC will have to passs it 15-20 yds at atime because NS is going to expect the same thing I'm posting. But then NS has surprised me a time or two . It should be entertaining . This IS a great thread, all football, no attitudes.(well maybe a little bit)
Auburn is gonna get their yards. I doubt we come anywhere close to shutting them down, just have to try to contain it.
Auburn will come with a balanced attack. If they get one-dimensional, Nick will exploit it. The Tube knows this.
