LSU versus Auburn Talent Comparison

[aubfaninga 16]

Will we be up for the biggest test of the year? I am worried about this game.

I would feel a lot better if Whitehead had not made his error in judgement and Frost/Nova were healthy.

If the gears start clicking with the O-line, CAP could own this game. I am ready to see him get north and south on two or three consecutive plays.

[McLoofus 35,182]

Will we be really ready for the biggest test of the year? I am worried about this game cause I don't know which Auburn team will show up.

This is how I see it:

-We have one of the better run defenses in the conference. Will we completely shut down their run game? Unlikely. Will we make Harris earn it? Very likely.

-Will Harris earn it? I think he'll have a lot of success keeping plays alive and finding WRs that just can't be covered forever; however...

-...that's also going to result in some turnovers going our way IMO. Our DBs are really starting to show a knack for taking balls that don't belong to them. Against a FR in JH who's not going to get to plant his feet too much, I think we get an extra couple possessions.

-LSU has already given up over 100 yards rushing to 2 different QBs. It's too bad that Nick Marshall isn't mobile. Oh, wait.

-And when Nick Marshall gets going on the ground, that's everything else opens up. I think that's been the primary issue with our run game, beyond some blocking issues. Teams have been able to focus on the inside handoffs and fill the gaps. We haven't spread them out yet. Look for a little more confusion on the other side of the ball for the first time since the Arkansas game.

-Coates is only going to be healthier. Williams is, at worst, the 2nd best receiver in the conference. Bray, Ray, Louis, Uzomah, Davis...

-Onterrio McCalebb ran crazy on the Chief in '10, and he was never a threat to run inside. Look for Corey to break a few big ones.

The post above mine cites very legit concerns. But do they outweigh LSU's own concerns? Not even close, IMO.

[mcgufcm 4,096]

I'll be honest. I get less worried about this game the more I look at it. If we play a C game and they play an A game, we may lose. If we play a B game, we'll win. We're the better running team, the better defensive team, and we have the better QB. It takes a lot to lose a game when those three things are true. They're all true here.

[OnthePlains 2,014]

I think its fair to say both squads have a ton of talent so this game may come down to intangibles which I think favors Auburn. We shouldnt underestimate the desperation LSU has with already being 0-1 in SEC play but Auburn has the revenge factor. I would like to think Auburn could win by 2 TD's and make it an easy night but looking at last year and this year Auburn really hasnt blown out a "good" team. All of the wins over what I would call "good" teams last year were close. Maybe LSU is not going to turn out to be a "good" team but I still expect a close game.

[AU64 10,122]

Good to keep things in balance...if the guy wants to make predictions or even comparisons that's fine with me......but his use of derogatory terms regarding the players in this comparison is not needed...and should not be allow....he probably thought his "one trick pony" ...or comparison to Tre Mason for CAP was clever ...but no need for that..

Glad to see our mods are not going to let this become al.com

[AUbritt 611]

I'll be honest. I get less worried about this game the more I look at it. If we play a C game and they play an A game, we may lose. If we play a B game, we'll win. We're the better running team, the better defensive team, and we have the better QB. It takes a lot to lose a game when those three things are true. They're all true here.

Yep.

[OnthePlains 2,014]

I'll be honest. I get less worried about this game the more I look at it. If we play a C game and they play an A game, we may lose. If we play a B game, we'll win. We're the better running team, the better defensive team, and we have the better QB. It takes a lot to lose a game when those three things are true. They're all true here.

I really havn't been worried about this game at all....and that worries me...

[AUsince72 11,084]

I'll be honest. I get less worried about this game the more I look at it. If we play a C game and they play an A game, we may lose. If we play a B game, we'll win. We're the better running team, the better defensive team, and we have the better QB. It takes a lot to lose a game when those three things are true. They're all true here.

I really havn't been worried about this game at all....and that worries me...

HAHA, that's me. You'll pretty much never hear me say that a win is a given (and that way I rarely have to eat crow) because whenever I DO feel like a win is a given...that's when those very unpleasant surprises come bite me! I'm as concerned about this game as any. I just feel like whether AU wins or loses is up to AU...not LSU.

[Dixie1860 27]

'72, I feel the same. How close it is may be up to how LSU plays, but whether we win/lose will be determined by us this week.

[OnthePlains 2,014]

I'll be honest. I get less worried about this game the more I look at it. If we play a C game and they play an A game, we may lose. If we play a B game, we'll win. We're the better running team, the better defensive team, and we have the better QB. It takes a lot to lose a game when those three things are true. They're all true here.

I really havn't been worried about this game at all....and that worries me...

HAHA, that's me. You'll pretty much never hear me say that a win is a given (and that way I rarely have to eat crow) because whenever I DO feel like a win is a given...that's when those very unpleasant surprises come bite me! I'm as concerned about this game as any. I just feel like whether AU wins or loses is up to AU...not LSU.

Agreed on all points. I have always tried to temper my optimism because after nearly 30 years of watching football I have had too many instances where I thought it was a sure thing and then WHAM! the hammer falls. Also I try not to act like that other fan base who thinks they will win every game by 30 points no matter the situation.

[mcgufcm 4,096]

Dixie and 72, I'd go one step further and say that's true basically every week of the season this year. I think we're the best team in the SEC. That doesn't mean we can't be beaten. We certainly can, but if we bring our A game, we're better than everyone else's A game.

[JFDTiger80 790]

I don't disagree with anything except coaching and special teams. Auburn is better in those two categories.

I am not so sure on special teams this year. Our punting is mediocre at best. Our punt coverage team is mediocre at best.

Our punt return team is very good. Our field goal specialist is pretty good, but not excellent so far, and our kickoffs depend on who kicks off. If Carlson kicks off, we are in pretty good shape, but the staff likes to have someone else kickoff to save Carlson's leg sometimes and when we do this we give up pretty good yardage.

I like our staff just as much as LSU's. I think both HC's are very good and I would not trade ours for theirs.

[WFE12 9,191]

grant a "one trick pony speedster" the team doesn't even give him a chance to run inside barely, but when he has run through the middle you see he could be that bruiser back..

[AUsince72 11,084]

Dixie and 72, I'd go one step further and say that's true basically every week of the season this year. I think we're the best team in the SEC. That doesn't mean we can't be beaten. We certainly can, but if we bring our A game, we're better than everyone else's A game.

PERZACTLY!!

[AUbritt 611]

Dixie and 72, I'd go one step further and say that's true basically every week of the season this year. I think we're the best team in the SEC. That doesn't mean we can't be beaten. We certainly can, but if we bring our A game, we're better than everyone else's A game.

PERZACTLY!!

Agreed.

[homersapien 11,352]

Are you still here? After the insulting attack on Kristi Malzahn? What gives moderators? Did he apologize?

[AUbritt 611]

He's taking a 24 hour break.

[aubearcat 2,132]

Are you still here? After the insulting attack on Kristi Malzahn? What gives moderators? Did he apologize?

Per TT he's suspended for 24hrs

[lutzintheredzone 0]

he doesnt know how to compare talent its like this

LSU Backs vs Auburn Backers

LSU will be lead by a freshman QB,and a freshman RB in Brandon Harris and Leonard Flournette,they rotate a decent stable of Kenny Hillard,McGee and another Freshman in Williams.Their lead blocker is Connor Neighbors. For Auburn Kris Frost,Cass McKinzy and Anthony Swain have been impressive.They are joined by hydrids Robensen Theirize and Justin Garrett.Two freshman Tre Williams and Nick Ruffin have played well. Advantage -Auburn

LSU Recievers

vs Auburns Secondary

LSU is lead by Travin Dural and Jennings zeroed in on him.But Harris favorite target is freshman Malici Dupree. He his joined by two more freshman in Diarse and Quinn and juco Leslie. Whitehead is still suspended but he was weak link in secondary in my opionion he bite on both Arkansas TD passes didnt get over for San Jose St TD. Holsey has been lights out in his place along with Rudy Ford. No clue why Reed doesnt start over Jones,he his a ballhawk.But Jones played very well vs LA Tech. The secondary has 6 ints Advantage-Auburn. They have four very good tes to run the pro set why likely Auburn will be in rhino on d

LSU O line vs Auburn D Line

This is gonna be fun to watch Collins and Alexander are elite on their ledt side and will be matched wit Adams and Blackson.On the right side its Faniaka and Hawkins vs Whitaker and Wright. McKinzy will plug the middle on center Porter along with the guards. The left side is a war but huge edge to Auburn on the right side Adv-

Auburn Slightly

LSU Backers vs Aub Backs

LSU linebackers have struggled esp DJ Welter. Kwon Alexander is great but not much depht after Beckwith. Auburn backfield is lethal with Marshall,Johnson,Payne,Grant and sweeps by Louis,Bray,Truitt.Advantage big for Auburn

LSU Secondary vs Aub Recievers

Looking forward to this. The teeth of LSUs defense. Duke should dominate in the slot vs Jamal Adams.Then their left with two options double him and leave Coates one on one or get nickled and dimed down the field. Auburn has a decent height advantage when Ray,Denson,Coates,Duke,Louis in and when Uzomah linea up in the slot. The underneath guys are very good in Bray and Davis Adv Big for Auburn with Thomas out

LSU D line vs Auburn O line

LSU has struggled and Auburn been inconsistent. Auburn flipped guards around and moved Cameron Toney to H back.LSU hasto good ends in Hunter and Rasco but not much expierence behind them. Inside they lost Quentin Thomas and Lewis ? Neal is been forced to play inside at 255,the depht falls into headache mode with several true freshman as the rotation. Adv - Big for Aub

Chavis vs Malzhan

2009 Chavis 31-10 w Chris Todd

2010 Gus 24-17 w Cam Newton

2011 Chavis 45-10 i think w Clint Mosely

2013 Chavis 35-21 w Nick Marshall

Adv-Even because 1-1 vs mobile QB

[Tiger 8,817]

he doesnt know how to compare talent its like this

LSU Backs vs Auburn Backers

LSU will be lead by a freshman QB,and a freshman RB in Brandon Harris and Leonard Flournette,they rotate a decent stable of Kenny Hillard,McGee and another Freshman in Williams.Their lead blocker is Connor Neighbors. For Auburn Kris Frost,Cass McKinzy and Anthony Swain have been impressive.They are joined by hydrids Robensen Theirize and Justin Garrett.Two freshman Tre Williams and Nick Ruffin have played well. Advantage -Auburn

LSU Recievers

vs Auburns Secondary

LSU is lead by Travin Dural and Jennings zeroed in on him.But Harris favorite target is freshman Malici Dupree. He his joined by two more freshman in Diarse and Quinn and juco Leslie. Whitehead is still suspended but he was weak link in secondary in my opionion he bite on both Arkansas TD passes didnt get over for San Jose St TD. Holsey has been lights out in his place along with Rudy Ford. No clue why Reed doesnt start over Jones,he his a ballhawk.But Jones played very well vs LA Tech. The secondary has 6 ints Advantage-Auburn. They have four very good tes to run the pro set why likely Auburn will be in rhino on d

LSU O line vs Auburn D Line

This is gonna be fun to watch Collins and Alexander are elite on their ledt side and will be matched wit Adams and Blackson.On the right side its Faniaka and Hawkins vs Whitaker and Wright. McKinzy will plug the middle on center Porter along with the guards. The left side is a war but huge edge to Auburn on the right side Adv-

Auburn Slightly

LSU Backers vs Aub Backs

LSU linebackers have struggled esp DJ Welter. Kwon Alexander is great but not much depht after Beckwith. Auburn backfield is lethal with Marshall,Johnson,Payne,Grant and sweeps by Louis,Bray,Truitt.Advantage big for Auburn

LSU Secondary vs Aub Recievers

Looking forward to this. The teeth of LSUs defense. Duke should dominate in the slot vs Jamal Adams.Then their left with two options double him and leave Coates one on one or get nickled and dimed down the field. Auburn has a decent height advantage when Ray,Denson,Coates,Duke,Louis in and when Uzomah linea up in the slot. The underneath guys are very good in Bray and Davis Adv Big for Auburn with Thomas out

LSU D line vs Auburn O line

LSU has struggled and Auburn been inconsistent. Auburn flipped guards around and moved Cameron Toney to H back.LSU hasto good ends in Hunter and Rasco but not much expierence behind them. Inside they lost Quentin Thomas and Lewis ? Neal is been forced to play inside at 255,the depht falls into headache mode with several true freshman as the rotation. Adv - Big for Aub

Chavis vs Malzhan

2009 Chavis 31-10 w Chris Todd

2010 Gus 24-17 w Cam Newton

2011 Chavis 45-10 i think w Clint Mosely

2013 Chavis 35-21 w Nick Marshall

Adv-Even because 1-1 vs mobile QB

I think this writeup is actually more biased than the OP. Lol, you mentioned Truitt who has like, what? 4 snaps under his belt?

[lutzintheredzone 0]

Truitt has been hurt, they want to use him he is very fast to the edge and elusive according to Malzhan.Im not bias they got 23 true or redshirts in rotation with two of their best defensive players lost for year.They still let NM State run on them. Miss St was in a shootout with UAB and have a weak secondary and LSU did nothing till they let off in the fourth.

[RyanAUfan 0]

Our talent should be able to surpass LSU easily. We have strong depth.

[Tiger 8,817]

Truitt has been hurt, they want to use him he is very fast to the edge and elusive according to Malzhan.Im not bias they got 23 true or redshirts in rotation with two of their best defensive players lost for year.They still let NM State run on them. Miss St was in a shootout with UAB and have a weak secondary and LSU did nothing till they let off in the fourth.

That's fair. I must say, our special teams worries me, I wish I was as confident as you are about that aspect of the team. Hopefully you are right!

[SumterAubie 3,031]

I was going to read this til i saw who the original poster was?

[alexava 6,973]

This is a comparison of talent. This obviously doesn't show matchups, but just shows talent at each position. We all know these guys won't play against each other.

QB -Brandon Harris is getting his first start on the road, and by all accounts this kid is special. He has a cannon and great escapability in the pocket. He is a surprisingly natural runner with great instincts. Nick Marshall led Auburn to a national championship game loss. He is a much better runner than passer. He has improved his passing, but it is still a little less than desired. Advantage Auburn

RB - Auburn mainly utilizes Artis Payne and Corey Grant. Grant is a one trick pony speedster. Artis Payne is a poor man's Trey Mason. LSU will use 4 guys. Fournette is emerging as the best of the bunch and coming into his own. Hillaird is a senior who bounces off defenders. Williams is a wrecking ball and Magee is a third down back. Slight Advantage LSU

WR -Coates and Williams are a very nice 1-2 punch. Dural has been a breakout star for LSU with a ridiculous average per catch. Dupre looks as good as advertised, and Quinn is a great route runner. Diarse is an excellent run after catch receiver. Push We are loaded at WR. THis is advantage AU

O-Line -Both of these units have underachieved this season. Both are supposed to be strengths, but haven't been to this point. Whichever of these two gets it together for this game will probably win. Push

D-Line - Montravious Adams is a monster for Auburn. Injuries have hurt them here though. LSU is young at defensive tackle and needs somebody besides Lacountoure to step up. Hunter is a specimen at DE and could be a major factor in this game. Advantage Auburn

LB - Auburn is stout at LB. They have given the opposing teams problems when trying to run the ball which K State and Arkansas both wanted to do. I expect more of Beckwith than Welter at MLB. LSU will most likely only have 2 LB's on the field most of the game which will include a good bit of Kwon Alexander and some Deion Jones. Push I don't know but if we get a push at LB it feels like a win to me

Secondary -Trovon Reed has been converted to defense and has performed well in the Auburn secondary. LSU features 2 future top 3 rounders in White and Robinson at CB. Jamal Adams will take over the nickel spot. Jalen Mills is a projected first rounder at safety. Advantage LSU

Special Teams - Both teams are very good at kickoffs, punts and field goals. Both feature explosive guys in the return game that could break it at any time. Push

Coaching - Les has 1 bcs championship in 2 appearances. Gus is 0 for 1 (in his 1 year at Auburn.) Chavis has held Gus's point total far less than his average. Cameron has shown what he can do with the LSU offense last season and this one. Ellis Johnson is no joke as Auburn's d coordinator. Slight Advantage LSU GUS is the best in the nation advantage AU

Intangibles - Game is in Jordan Hare. LSU has a qb making his first start. Advantage Auburn

Score Prediction - LSU 27 Auburn 24

earlier in the week i did not feel good but i'm starting to change my mind. my prediction is we dont hear from this corndog again after about 9pm saturday if he dont get whacked before then.