Behind Enemy Lines: LSU expert shares his thoughts on Auburn’s week seven matchup

We take a look at Auburn’s post bye week matchup by reaching out to an LSU expert.

Author:
Joshua Collins
Publish date:
Oct 12, 2023 10:00 AM EDT

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Auburn Tigers

As Auburn heads into their fourth week of SEC play against LSU in Baton Rouge, hopefully the tigers will be fresh and rested after a bye-week.

The Tigers are reeling from a tough loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in week five at Jordan-Hare and are likely looking to earn their first win of SEC play for the 2023 season.

In preparation for this typically highly anticipated matchup against LSU, we reached out to Zack Nagy of LSU Country to answer some questions from behind enemy lines.

What matchups do you believe LSU will attempt to exploit against Auburn?

LSU quarterback — Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nagy: LSU will look to do what it does best and that's provide a balanced attack offensively led by Jayden Daniels at the helm. The Tigers will have an opportunity to feed Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. on the outside to make big-time plays through the air.

When it comes to specific matchups, the receivers vs. defensive backs battle will be key. Of course, the trenches will be a piece to keep tabs on, but the LSU receivers vs. Auburn defensive backs is noteworthy.

Do you feel that Auburn being well rested coming off a bye week will be a factor in the game

Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Marquis Johnson (17) catches a pass as LSU Tigers cornerback Zy Alexander (24) defends during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports — © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nagy: I think any time a program comes off of a bye it plays a huge factor. For Auburn, to get an extra week of preparation and the opportunity to rest up before hitting the road to Baton Rouge, it'll certainly be an advantage for them.

LSU is coming off of four straight hard fought SEC contests, and in need of a bye week themselves, it sets the tone for a tough game in Tiger Stadium. Auburn having a bye week will certainly play a factor.

Do you believe the nighttime atmosphere in Baton Rouge will influence the game?

Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers defensive back Daylan Carnell (13) defends during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports — © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nagy: The atmosphere in Baton Rouge is like no other. A rowdy crowd in a night game always gives opponents trouble no matter who's on the opposite sideline. Auburn is used to hectic SEC crowds, but the Death Valley fans will certainly be something to monitor.

Who do you expect to be “break out” performers during this contest?

Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. (1) runs the ball and is tackled by LSU Tigers cornerback Zy Alexander (24) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports — © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nagy: When it comes to "breakout performers", LSU has utilized most of the talent in its arsenal to this point, but Tigers to monitor will certainly be running back Logan Diggs, offensive lineman Will Campbell and safety Major Burns.

Diggs is looking to continue carrying his success on the ground and it's imperative he remains in stride against another SEC foe. For Campbell, he needs to dominate the trenches for LSU's offense to remain strong.

It's key Jayden Daniels gets time in the pocket and that'll be a factor come Saturday night. Major Burns is coming off of a big game against Missouri. A struggling secondary, he must be the anchor once again.

What mistakes would LSU have to make to lose to Auburn at home?

Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Mason Taylor (86) celebrates with quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) after scoring against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports — © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nagy: For LSU to lose on Saturday, it would simply have to be another struggle on defense. We know what this LSU offense is capable of week in and week out. They'll put up points. If LSU's defense struggles once again and allows the Auburn offense to roll, it'll set the tone for a tough matchup in Baton Rouge.