SEC Preview: LSU Set to Take on Auburn

The No. 18 LSU Tigers will take a trip to face the Auburn Tigers this Saturday. LSU is 2-1 (1-0 in the SEC) and looked like the team they were hyped up to be. A team that could be in the College Football Playoff.

The LSU Tigers defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 23-20 in their last game. LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette returned from an injury and ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns. LSU head coach Les Miles says Fournette returned from the injury and didn’t see a slow start from him.

LSU quarterback Danny Etling made just enough plays to help them win. Etling, on third downs, went six-for-nine for 96 yards and threw for a touchdown.

Miles and his coaching staff will have to prepare Etling and Fournette for Auburn’s defense.

Auburn is 1-2 (0-1 in the SEC) is coming off a 29-16 loss to Texas A & M last week. One of the keys to beating LSU is defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Steele was the defensive coordinator at LSU last season.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said Steele has done a good job with the defense and they are responding to him. Miles said since they know Steele and Steele know LSU, there won’t be any advantage.

LSU beat Auburn 42-21 last season and since they have been looking forward to playing them again. Malzahn has been making sure the team is focused, but not too anxious going into the game.

Three days and we'll be back playing in front of the #AuburnFamily. #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/1C8ajKPlHZ

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 21, 2016

Members of the LSU coaching staff have been looking forward to this game as well. LSU wide receiver coach Dameyune Craig has been looking forward to this matchup. Craig played quarterback for Auburn in 1994-97 and still holds many of Auburn’s passing records.

Auburn must improve offensively in order for Malzahn to have the best chance to beat LSU. Malzahn says they must find a way for make Auburn quarterback Sean White more comfortable. The LSU defense will be a tall measuring stick for Auburn’s offense.

The game will be Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. It will be broadcast on ESPN and kickoff is set for 6 p.m.