Auburn football returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium this weekend for another crucial SEC showdown, which means it is time for another edition of Behind Enemy Lines. Behind Enemy Lines is a weekly feature that highlights storylines and key stats from Auburn's opponent through the eyes of a writer who covers the team.
We reached out to Will Rosenblatt, the lead writer for LSU Wire
, for the inside scoop on Auburn's Week 8 opponent, the LSU Tigers.This week's conversation highlights LSU's most recent win, the vibe around Baton Rouge of first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, and the excitement surrounding the renewal of an old SEC West rivalry. Here is this week's Behind Enemy Lines with Will Rosenblatt of LSU Wire.
What were several things LSU did well in its bounce-back win over Mississippi State on Saturday?
WR: "LSU played its most complete SEC game
of the year vs. Mississippi State. Sam Leavitt continued to improve and look comfortable in the pocket, and played his first game at LSU without throwing an interception. On defense, LSU got back to basics after a rough outing at Kentucky. The Tigers fit the run well and didn't miss tackles."
What is the vibe around Lane Kiffin seven games into his tenure?
WR: "For now, the vibe is good, not great. There are some fans who are uneasy about already having two losses, but the chaos around the sport in Week 7 has reminded some fans how hard it is to win games in this league, and the fan base is optimistic again."
How exciting is it for Auburn and LSU to renew their old SEC West rivalry this weekend?
WR: "The SEC schedule didn't look right without LSU and Auburn playing in 2024 and 2025. This was always one of the SEC's most entertaining games, at least since I've been watching football. Auburn's win at Georgia has definitely given the game some more juice."
Auburn plays its best when it slows down the opposition's run game. How would you rate LSU's run game?
WR: "LSU's run game is hit or miss. The offensive line is a work in progress, and LSU is averaging just 3.59 yards per carry in conference play. However, LSU has found ways to drum up ground game success with creativity when needed, getting the QB and slot receivers involved. LSU RB Dilin Jones also ranks third among SEC RBs in forced missed tackles."
How is Lane Kiffin viewing Auburn ahead of the matchup?
WR: "Kiffin pointed to Auburn's win over Georgia at his press conference. Auburn's upset of UGA was well timed for LSU -- it certainly won't be hard for Kiffin to get LSU up for this one now."
LSU beats Auburn if….
WR: "LSU beats Auburn if the defense doesn't overthink it and plays sound, fundamental run defense. I expect Alex Golesh to incorporate more pre-snap movement after seeing how much LSU has struggled with that element at times. Motion plus the QB run game can be a dangerous combo for an aggressive defense like LSU's, but if LSU can rally to the ball and get Byrum Brown on the ground, the Tigers will win this game (assuming LSU doesn't turn it over three times)."
Taylor Jones is the lead writer for Auburn Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky. FollowAuburn Wire on X andFacebook.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: Auburn-LSU preview with Will Rosenblatt of LSU Wire
