No. 9 LSU 7 Point Favorites Over Auburn

NFL News - October 22nd, 2009 - Written by Scott

After suffering their first loss of the season to Florida two weeks ago, No. 9 LSU will look to regroup and keep their SEC West title hopes alive as they host Auburn on Saturday.  LSU (5-1, 3-1) is in second place in the SEC West behind undefeated Alabama and lost to Florida in their last game 13-3.  Auburn is coming off a two-game losing skid after winning their first five games and lost last weekend to Kentucky 21-14.

LSU's offense has not really clicked all season.  They are averaging just 295 yards and 23 points per game.  Their passing game has struggled all season and is only averaging 190 yards, which ranks 98th in the country.  Jordan Jefferson is their quarterback and he has thrown for 1,016 yards and 7 touchdowns.  LSU has not been able to find any consistency in their running game either.  The Gators held them to just 66 yards rushing and are only averaging 123 yards per game.  They are led in rushing by Charles Scott who has 327 yards and 2 touchdowns.  They appear to be playing conservatively in their passing game, but Terrance Toliver and Brandon LaFell have stood out at wide receiver.  They have combined for 682 yards and 7 touchdowns. 

LSU has a very physical defense and has been the bright spot for their team this year.  They are only allowing 130 yards per game rushing, but will be tested against Auburn's strong running game. 

The Auburn offense has had their share of problems over their past two games.  In their first five, they averaged 45 points per game and in their last two, just 21.  Their running game has been steady all season and is led by Ben Tate.  Tate has rushed for 856 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Their passing game has been inconsistent all year and so has the play of quarterback Chris Todd over the past two games.  For the season, he has thrown for 1,443 yards and 12 touchdowns.    Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery have emerged as their playmakers at wide receiver and have combined for 797 yards and 9 touchdowns. 

The Tigers have had their share of problems on defense over their last few games.  They have not finished games as they did early in the season and have been outscored 53-14 in the fourth quarter over their last four games.  Lack of depth could be the issue, but they need to find a way to finish games.  They must avoid another fourth quarter meltdown as they did in their loss to Kentucky.

College Football Betting Lines show LSU favored by 7 points at home, according to Betus Sportsbook.  Auburn has not had much success in Baton Rouge and haven't won their since 1999.

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