SEC: LSU vs. Auburn Preview
Despite winning their first three games of the 2012 season by a combined score of 145-31, the LSU Tigers can't seem to shake the Alabama Crimson
Tide, who dominates the rankings when it comes to first place votes. In 2011, the two teams split the season, with Alabama winning in the national title game, helping their cause. LSU opens SEC play with a big prime time game with the Auburn Tigers and they hope the LSU vs. Auburn game might help sway some voters their way.
Last week, LSU (3-0) destroyed Idaho, 63-14, once again continuing their season with dominating wins. LSU's amazing defense led the way and the offense added 35-unanswered points in the second half to complete the blowout. In his first career start, cornerback Ronald Martin recorded two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
LSU has always lived and died with their running attack and 2012 is no different. The Tigers have 808 rushing yards through their first three wins of the season. Kenny Hilliard leads the team with 303 yards and six touchdowns. Alfred Blue is right there with him, with 270 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, five LSU running backs average over 5.6-ypc and have accounted for 12 touchdowns on the year.
Auburn (1-2) comes into the game, after barely escaping with an overtime win over Louisiana-Monroe. That could be seen as a danger sign, but this is the same Monroe team that beat the Arkansas Razorbacks and continues as the season's Cinderella team.
Onterio McCalebb was the star for Auburn, rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown in the ground. Overall, he is the second leading rusher on the team, behind Tre Mason, who has 221 yards on the year. Quarterback Kiehl Frazier reminds no one of Cam Newton, completing only 50.7-percent of his passes for a low 6.70 yards per completion and five interceptions compared to two touchdowns.
Auburn has a lot of problems this season, losing to Clemson and Mississippi State, and also almost losing to Louisiana-Monroe. This rivalry has a great history but expect LSU to blow the lid off this game.
LSU vs. Auburn kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET and airs on ESPN.
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