Following an exhilarating win over the Georgia Bulldogs last week in Athens, Georgia, the Auburn Tigers are returning home to take on the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium, looking to improve to 5-2 overall on the year.
Auburn won 27-24 off of a game-winning field goal from Alex McPherson, giving the team its first win in Athens since 2005. LSU though is also reeling, shutting out Mississippi State at home in its most recent outing, getting to 5-2 on the year.
This is the first time since 2023 that the Tiger Bowl has taken place, and the first time since 2022 that it is happening in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The biggest storyline for each team is crucial going into this critical game, as Auburn is trying not to be the newest victim of relief syndrome this October, while LSU is trying to win its first road game since 2024.
This game is set to be one that carries a lot of implications for the winner, but it will be an early start for both teams with an 11 a.m. CST kick.
Here are some keys to victory for each team when they take the field on Saturday.
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Auburn Tigers:
Win the turnover battle
One of the biggest points of emphasis in order to take down Georgia last week was that Auburn needed to win the turnover battle. At the end of the day, it did, and did so by three. The most crucial of those came in a late fumble that Alex Golesh’s squad recovered, which helped set up the game-winning field goal from 34 yards out.
Doing that a disciplined offense is a magnificent feat within itself. So if this Auburn defense can do that once again, there is a high likelihood that momentum can carry over. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has thrown the most interceptions in the SEC at this point in the season. Two of the three turnovers last week were via interceptions. You can bet DJ Durkin’s defense will have its ears pinned back in order to make that happen again.
Find a way to continue last week’s gameplan
No matter which way it is looked at, the plan that Auburn installed in last week’s win over Georgia resulted in one of the most balanced offensive performances the team has had in recent memory. Both the passing and rushing attacks got going in their own ways, and what many saw was Auburn spread the Bulldogs defense out before allowing its run game to get going, allowing for chunk yardage and an ability to move the ball efficiently.
Being able to do the same thing against another defense that flies all over the field is paramount, and finding ways to get Byrum Brown to use his legs will be key. The saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There is obviously some critiquing to do there from week to week, but riding that momentum is certainly a tactic that must be used.
LSU Tigers:
Utilize Dilin Jones as much as possible
The opportunity to have a running back as young and skilled as Dilin Jones is a little bit of a rarity in today’s day and age of college football. That’s not just because of his ability to run and catch the football, but because of his athleticism and intensity that go along with that.
Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. have been using him in the appropriate way, and it has worked. Jones is the main running back and has 566 yards. That pairs with 190 yards receiving out of the backfield, which may not sound like a lot, but 7.3 yards per reception for a running back is a positive mark to be at. He will be a player to keep an eye on, as he can be used in many different ways, even if it is just to create eye candy for the Auburn defense.
Let it rip with TJ Dottery
TJ Dottery is one of the many skilled linebackers in the SEC, leading the team in total tackles by 18. With all communication on defense running through the middle of the field, allowing Dottery to control this game on the defensive side is a must, as LSU needs its most veteran mind to settle down an offense that is on a roll.
Dottery’s three pass deflections and two forced fumbles showcase his ability to disrupt and cause chaos on the football, so there is no reason to believe that his tactics will change on the Plains. The linebacker will be seeking to force turnovers and even create pressure in the box to try and force quarterback Byrum Brown into some sticky situations. Those can lead to turnovers, or at the very least, minimal gains.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
