The Auburn Tigers return to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, hoping to carry momentum from last week's win over Georgia into their SEC game against No. 17 LSU.
Earlier this week, we examined ways that Auburn could struggle with the Bayou Bengals. Today, we will take a more positive approach by breaking down the ways Auburn can earn another notable win.
Auburn has not faced LSU since the 2023 season, when Brian Kelly's Tigers dismantled Hugh Freeze's Tigers, 48-18, in Baton Rouge. LSU edged Auburn the last time these squads met on the Plains, 21-17, in 2022. This season, it's Alex Golesh's Auburn squad taking on Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers in a battle of first-year head coaches.
Golesh made a statement last week by leading his team to a win over then-No.
1 Georgia, Auburn's first since the 2017 SEC Championship Game, and would love to walk off the field with another win over a rival, this time in front of his home fans.
The SEC slate is always difficult, and LSU will definitely challenge Auburn on Saturday. However, an Auburn win is never out of the question. Here are five things that, if done well, will lead Auburn to victory over LSU on Saturday.
Auburn wins the turnover battle
Last week, Auburn created three turnovers while committing zero, which became a major factor in the Tigers' win over No. 1 Georgia. In their wins, Auburn is +3 in turnover margins and -1 in losses. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt also leads the SEC with eight interceptions and could have a rough day if Auburn's defensive backs are on high alert.
This trend must continue on Saturday vs. LSU for Auburn to get out with a win.
If Dilin Jones is limited on the ground
The magic number is 88. That is the most Auburn has allowed a single rusher to gain in wins this season, compared to the 220 yards that Tennessee's DeSean Bishop gained against Auburn in the Vols' 24-14 win. Jones has rushed for over 100 yards in just two games this season, and if Auburn can hold him to under 100 yards on Saturday, it could factor into a win.
If Byrum Brown finds rhythm through the air
One trend in LSU's two losses this season is the success of their opponents' quarterbacks. Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss passed for 363 yards and two touchdowns, while Kentucky's Kenny Minchey passed for 246 yards. LSU has not allowed an opposing quarterback to pass for over 128 yards in a win this season.
If Byrum Brown makes smart decisions through the air and Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod, and Jeremiah Koger create space, it could lead to another big win for the orange and blue.
If Bryce Deas fits in well with his new role
Xavier Atkins is out, which means pressure is on Bryce Deas to take over production. Deas passed his first test by recording eight tackles in last week's game at Georgia, and could take a step forward this week by teaming up with Elijah Melendez to create pressure for Sam Leavitt.
If Deas rises to the challenge, it could be a long day for LSU.
If Jordan-Hare becomes magical
Deputy AD for External Affairs & Chief Revenue Officer Rhett Hobart and Senior Associate AD for Fan Experience and Creative Strategy Paris Buchanan have worked over the last several weeksto enhance the fan experience at this week's game, which includes discounted concession prices for early arriving fans and changes to music played in the stadium.
One change is the reintroduction of "All the Above" by Maino featuring T-Pain, a song that played at the end of the 3rd quarter during the 2010 season, to the in-game playlist.
How magical will Jordan-Hare be on Saturday?
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: Five reasons why Auburn football will beat LSU on Saturday
