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Two Sundays ago, LSU easily took care of a top-ten team in its season-opener at Arlington (Tex.).
Then-No. 8 Miami was no match for the Tigers, who coasted to a 33-17 victory. Following a somewhat lackluster performance against Southeastern Louisiana, LSU takes on another top-ten team this Saturday afternoon at Auburn.
No. 7 Auburn has its own victory against a top-ten team – then-No. 6 Washington in the season-opener. Auburn followed that performance with a rout over its FCS opponent – Alabama State.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron knows that this matchup with Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium will be far more challenging than the contest against Miami.
“Auburn is a better football team than Miami,” said Orgeron at his weekly media luncheon Monday. “I think the guys will be hungry this week. We need to match the intensity level we had against Miami and then probably need more.
“These players are out to prove they are a good football team. To be a great football team, you have to win on the road. You have to win on the road in the SEC.”
Orgeron just mentioned a few positives which occurred in the 31-0 victory against SLU. The offense had no turnovers. Nick Brossette delivered another 100-yard rushing game. The offense used the clock well right before halftime. The defense played for 60 minutes. The kickers and punters were again effective.
However, Orgeron spent far more time commenting on the one obvious weakness – the LSU passing game. Joe Burrow completed only 50 percent of his passes (10-of-20) for 151 yards. Burrow was sacked twice and needed to scramble to avoid losses on a few other occasions.
“We need to improve our pass protection and our overall passing game,” Orgeron said. “We will make some adjustments to do that.”
There are both personnel changes and scheme changes which can occur in an attempt to make the passing game more productive. The switch in personnel involves the offensive line.
Left tackle Saahdiq Charles will be back in the starting lineup after serving a one-game suspension. The starting spot at right tackle is now up for grabs between Badara Traore and Austin Deculus. Traore has been the right tackle since Adrian Magee was injured against Miami. Deculus replaced Charles last week.
“We are moving Austin Deculus to right tackle this week,” Orgeron said. “He will compete with Badara this week in practice and we will see who’s the best. Badara is a junior college transfer and he is playing for the first time. Having Saahdiq back at left tackle will help.”
Orgeron acknowledged that LSU can leave more people in for pass protection, but that limits the receiving options for Burrow. According to Orgeron, the Tigers chipped pass rushers with a tight end or a running back against the Lions. That plan did not work all the time.
“We gave Badara some help a couple of times with chips and there were sacks,” Orgeron said. “Joe probably held the ball too long on those two plays. We can go empty (no one in the backfield with the quarterback) and throw quick passes.
“Our passing game should be better. It is not all about protection. The receivers have to get open and catch the ball. We need to be more creative with what we’re doing. We feel like we can fix most things. We can give guys on the line who need it some help.”
According to Orgeron, the six players who were not on the sidelines against SLU will be available for the Auburn game – Charles, fullback Tory Carter, tight end Aaron Moffitt, nose tackle Ed Alexander, outside linebacker Michael Divinity and cornerback Dontre Kirklin.
“This will be a big-time battle with Auburn,” Orgeron said. “This a very, very tough Auburn football team. A lot of their (offensive) formations gave us problems last year. Their defense is led by their front seven. Auburn’s defensive line is big, physical and fast. They penetrate the backfield.”
