LSU has delivered another reminder of what it can do in Tiger Stadium. Auburn will test whether that version of the Tigers can travel.
Ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press poll, LSU visits Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, October 24, for an 11 a.m. Central kickoff on ABC. Lane Kiffin’s team enters 5–2 overall and 2–2 in SEC play, with a split that explains the urgency: 5–0 at home and 0–2 on the road.
A 31–0 victory over Mississippi State restored momentum after the overtime loss at Kentucky. The next step is producing a dependable performance away from Baton Rouge.
Leavitt gives LSU a performance to build on
Sam Leavitt completed 31 of 38 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns without an interception against Mississippi State. LSU paired that efficiency with a productive contribution from Dilin Jones, who rushed for 84 yards on 14 carries and caught eight passes for 58 yards.
That combination offers a useful blueprint for Auburn. A back who contributes as a runner and receiver can give the quarterback another answer when the initial look is covered. Efficient completions can also keep an offense from needing an explosive play to rescue every drive.
The challenge is preserving those options when communication becomes harder and a hostile crowd reacts to every unsuccessful possession.
The defense must bring its discipline
LSU’s shutout was its first at home against an SEC opponent since the Kentucky game in October 2006. TJ Dottery recorded 12 tackles, while Davhon Keys added 10.
The standard for this week should be disciplined execution on ordinary downs. Sound run fits, controlled pursuit and tackles completed at first contact can keep the defense from repeatedly facing an emergency.
A road defense also needs to respond well after a short field or a stalled offensive series. One uncomfortable possession cannot become permission for the next one to fall apart.
The road record makes this a meaningful test
LSU’s two losses came at Ole Miss and Kentucky. That makes Auburn more than the next opponent on the schedule: it is an opportunity to change a pattern before the final stretch.
For Kiffin’s offense, the opening possessions should establish communication, protection and ball security. For the team as a whole, avoiding unnecessary penalties can prevent the environment from doing part of Auburn’s work.
In this preview’s assessment, LSU’s best path is to stay patient enough to use its available answers. The Tigers do not need to chase a spectacular response every time momentum moves against them.
The Mississippi State victory supplied evidence of their ceiling. Winning at Auburn would supply evidence that their improvement can hold up somewhere other than home.
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