Conference previews
Five full pages looking at this week’s games in the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12.
KEYS FOR LSU
Run downhill: The Tigers have relied in recent years on big-time backs like Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice. They come into this game ranked 11th in the league in rushing offense, and will need a ground game to keep Auburn’s defense honest.
Take it away: LSU is tied for first in the conference in turnover margin at plus-five, while Auburn has lost four fumbles. The visiting Tigers will need to create some turnovers to give themselves the best chance to win.
KEYS FOR AUBURN
Sustain drives: Auburn is ranked 12th in the SEC in third-down conversions, getting a first down just 11 of 28 times for 39.3 percent. The home Tigers will need to do better in this category against a salty LSU defense.
Be ball hawks: New LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is completing less than 50 percent of his passes so far but hasn’t thrown an interception. Auburn leads the league in interceptions with four, and has returned one for a touchdown. Auburn needs to keep Burrow from gaining any momentum in the passing game.
PREDICTION
Auburn 24, LSU 17: This has been a crazy series: Les Miles was fired after losing at Auburn in a whacky finish a couple of years ago, and Auburn jumped out to a 20-0 lead last year before LSU rallied to win. This game will probably have something memorable occur, but all that will matter is the final score. Auburn has just a little too much firepower to lose to LSU at home.