Auburn travels to Baton Rouge, or the threshold of hell as some like to say, to take on the #1 team in the nation. A few of LSU's players made some headlines this week by getting themselves stupidly suspended for smoking some reefer. The Honey Badger himself Tyrann Mathieu, Spencer Ware and another CB were caught smoking synthetic marijuanna and have been suspended for this weekend's game vs AU. I'll bet you my left kidney that they will all be available to play in Tuscaloosa in two weeks, though.
Even with these three starters out, AU's chances of a win are slim at best. AU will have to play their best game of the year and will have to be able to consistently move the ball and control the line of scrimmage. This is a tall order against an LSU team that is dominate on the line on both sides of the ball.
Clint Moseley will be making his first start of the season in a very tough environment. Death Valley will be one of the loudest places he will have ever been to and to make his first start there can be an eye-opening experience. He will have to make plays and manage the game extremely well in order for AU to have a chance. AU must be able to pass block and Moseley has to find an open receiver and be able to complete it. The receivers HAVE to get open and then catch the flippin ball.
Mike Dyer will get alot of carries this game and the line must block for him in order, not only to open up the passing game, but also move the chains and control time of possession. The offense will need to be clicking and that is not something that has happened since the first half of the Clemson game.
The defense has been playing really well lately but against some pretty bad offenses, sans Arkansas. AU usually does a good job stopping power running teams and I believe that the defense will play well Saturday. Again, the D-line must put constant pressure on the QB's and force some bad throws. AU must win the turnover battle.
Special teams need to continue doing what they have been doing. Clark needs to flip field position with monster punts and high hang times and Parkey needs to continue to get touchbacks and hit field goals. Kick coverage needs to be spot on, get to the returner and tackle quickly.
All these things need to happen and then AU still only has a chance to win. This is probably going to be the toughest game AU will play all year. I know, bama is coming, but AU plays them at home so it drops below playing in BR, where AU hasn't won since Clinton was in office.
AU will keep it close, but LSU has too many athletes and is too deep on defense to lose this game. Playing in BR, albeit not at night woo hoo, will be hugely in favor of the home team.
Prediction: AU - 17 LSU - 28
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