When looking at the game between the Auburn Tigers and LSU Tigers before the season even started, the thought that Auburn would be sitting at 4-2 on the year was one that few may have thought.
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Nonetheless, Alex Golesh’s squad sits in that position heading into Week 8 of the college football season, just two victories away from bowl eligibility.
Auburn is coming off of a thrilling upset win over the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens last week, giving the program its first win in that series since 2005 thanks to a walk-off field goal from Alex McPherson.
This week’s challenge welcomes the renewal of the Tiger Bowl, pitting Auburn and LSU in a game that has not been played since 2023.
Lane Kiffin’s LSU squad is returning to the Plains sitting at 5-2 on the year, having lost both of its road tests in 2026. It is coming off of a dominant 31-0 win at home against Mississippi State though, giving it confidence that it much needed at a critical point in the season.
Kiffin’s last visit to Jordan-Hare Stadium when he was at Ole Miss resulted in a victory, and he is hoping to have the same feat on Saturday. Golesh is trying to help his players avoid relief syndrome and put together another complete performance.
Ahead of the early action on Saturday, here are some players to watch for both Auburn and LSU that could make a difference in the game.
LSU Tigers
Dilin Jones (RB):
One of the things that became all too familiar with the installation of Kiffin at LSU was the entry of big-time players from the transfer portal. The sophomore who is Jones has made his impact in Baton Rouge early and is actively becoming a bigger piece of the offense for Charlie Weis Jr. It is a different kind of play in the SEC after Jones came from Wisconsin, but through five games, he has 128 carries for 566 yards and five touchdowns, while also putting up 26 receptions for 190 yards. Jones’ threat to be utilized on the ground and out of the backfield in the air attack allows him to get a lot of touches, making him a player to keep an eye on in a big way.
Winston Watkins Jr. (WR):
Watkins is one of the many talents that Kiffin brought over from Ole Miss, and while he was not a true mainstay in the receiving game in 2025, he has become a big one now. The 5-foot-10, 182-pound frame of Watkins does not indicate that he would be a true vertical threat, but his playmaking ability is what allows him to stand out. The sophomore has the most receptions for the boys in purple and gold, while having the second-highest receiving yards. With speed and a knack to get through tight holes, sure tackling will be crucial when Watkins possesses the ball.
TJ Dottery (LB):
When looking at the numbers of who the defensive threats are for Kiffin’s team, there is a clear line between Dottery and everybody else. Once again in the SEC, it will be another battle of the linebackers. Dottery has 18 more tackles than anyone else on LSU, but it is his talent for truly creating disruption that sticks out. With three pass deflections and two forced fumbles, the linebacker does not shy away from trying to create turnovers. He will be sure to have his eyes on where the ball is at all times, because even with his size, he can cover ground and make plays.
Auburn Tigers:
Byrum Brown (QB):
When a player has a game like Brown did last week and made the plays he did, it is hard to sit and say that he will not be a player to watch come Saturday. Keying in on his running ability, Brown posted his second straight rushing performance of more than 100 yards against Georgia, making it 45 carries for 222 yards in the last two outings. With the momentum he is carrying, what the quarterback does through the air versus with his legs will be something to eye, and especially his health with the hits he takes. No matter what, Brown has a lot of energy at this point in the season. Only time will tell whether that continues on.
Elijah Melendez (LB):
With the dismissal of linebacker Xavier Atkins from the program, this room is now one for Melendez to lead. Although there is pretty solid evidence that says he was already leading the linebackers up to this point. Following his most recent game, Melendez is the leading tackler by 15 on the Auburn defense, but his vocal leadership has also increased in a big way too. Add that to his now four sacks and lone interception, and you get a player who as a sophomore is growing into a future NFL talent by the day. The matchup of Melendez against this LSU offense will be a test to see if he can keep things going.
Cody Sigler (DL):
The story of the impact that Sigler has made throughout the first half of this season for Auburn is one to be marveled, and despite the numbers not truly showing it, the disruption from him does things. Sigler did not get a hand on the football on the fumble that gave Auburn the ball in the closing minutes in Athens, but his pressure forced Gunner Stockton up and caused the loose ball. Him being able to get through the offensive line of LSU is one that will be worth watching, because as the year has rolled on, Sigler is seemingly getting better.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
