ESPN Previews SEC 'Elimination Games,' Including LSU vs. Auburn

ESPN's Bill Connelly previewed several key SEC matchups this weekend, including No. 18 LSU's road game against Auburn on Saturday.

Connelly believes LSU has several advantages in the matchup, particularly on offense and with its pass rush.

He highlighted quarterback Sam Leavitt's ability to make plays in LSU's RPO-heavy offense, along with the Tigers' defensive front, led by Princewill Umanmielen and freshman Deuce Geralds.

Connelly also noted that LSU is projected to be a slight favorite in each of its remaining games, putting the Tigers back in the SEC championship race.

Here's what Connelly had to say about Saturday's matchup:

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No. 18 LSU at Auburn (noon, ABC)

The Earthquake Game? The Barn Burner? Yeah, Auburn-LSU can get weird. And Lane Kiffin hasn't even been involved yet.

With just about everyone around them losing, Kiffin and LSU moved back into the SEC hunt, and the Tigers are at least slight projected favorites in each of their remaining games.

Auburn upset Georgia last week despite getting pummeled statistically. Such are the wonders of a plus-3 turnover differential and better special teams play. Auburn can hold its own in terms of rushing offense and run defense, but LSU holds clear advantages through the air.

LSU's defense ranks second in sack rate without blitzing much. Edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen has eight sacks, and freshman Deuce Geralds might already be the nation's best pass rushing tackle. Meanwhile, the pass offense is almost delightfully old school, leaning more heavily on RPOs than almost anyone.

RPOs are old hat by now, but they still force a defense to pick its poison, and with his ability to run, Sam Leavitt has proved capable of punishing defenses for whatever choices they make at whatever times. Auburn's defense is good, but LSU has more advantages.

Current line: LSU -7.5 | SP+ projection: LSU by 11.2 | FPI projection: LSU by 7.7

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