The Tigers of Baton Rouge are set to bring their elite defense to the Plains of Auburn to match up against one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, Byrum Brown. Brown is in his first year in the SEC, and while he has struggled to match his passing proficiency from a year ago, his running ability remains a major threat.
Currently, Brown is tied for second in the SEC in interceptions, behind Sam Leavitt, with seven so far this season. On the ground, he has carried the ball 107 times for 459 yards and five touchdowns, averaging approximately 76.5 yards per game. Through the air, Brown has thrown for 1,205 yards with a 64.3% completion rate and 13 total touchdowns.
It is going to be critical for Jordan Ross and Princewill Umanmielen to maintain their pass-rush integrity against Byrum Brown. This is not the quarterback you want stepping up and running through an open lane. He may not have the game-breaking speed of a Marcel Reed, but he does possess almost superhuman strength and elite size. Brown stands 6'3″ and weighs 235 pounds. For comparison, he is just one inch shorter and roughly 10 pounds lighter than both aforementioned LSU edge rushers.
While Brown is the central figure of the offense, he still has some weapons around him. Chas Nimrod and Keshaun Singleton both have over 30 receptions and more than 300 receiving yards. Singleton transferred with Brown and head coach Alex Golesh from USF, so they already have an established relationship and understand how to play together. Nimrod is starting to show that he can be just as dependable as Singleton as the season progresses.
Leading the running back room is Jeremiah Cobb, who averages over five yards per carry. Cobb currently has 306 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries.
If there is an obvious weakness in this Auburn offense, it's the offensive line. Auburn had offensive line issues last year, and so far this season, those problems remain. Through the first six games, Auburn has allowed 23 sacks, the most in the SEC. The Tigers have also used 10 different offensive linemen through their first five games and surrendered five sacks just last week against Georgia.
This is where LSU can really take control of the game.
LSU's defense has recorded 27 sacks this season, which ranks second in the country. Princewill Umanmielen should be able to generate consistent pressure, but the player you truly want to see make his presence felt is Deuce Geralds. If Geralds can collapse the pocket from the interior and prevent Brown from stepping up, LSU's edge rushers should be able to make this game extremely uncomfortable for him.
Considering Brown has carried the ball over 100 times, has been sacked 23 times, and has thrown seven interceptions, this defense should be looking to feast against him, IF it can keep him contained.
If LSU's defense can force Brown to do something he hasn't consistently been able to do this season, which is beat a team with his arm, DJ Pickett, Ty Benefield, and the rest of the LSU secondary should have a great game.
This game will be decided by how well LSU's defense performs from the opening snap. If the Tigers allow Brown to establish some early confidence, it will be difficult to slow him down. However, if they come out and get after him early and often, this defense could put LSU's offense in position to open up the scoreboard and win by a wide margin.
How do you think LSU will handle Brown and this Auburn offense? Do you think LSUs defense can dominate this game and get the win on the road? Share your thoughts in the comments.
