LSU Vs. Auburn Preview & Prediction

The 15th-ranked LSU Tigers return to action this Saturday on the road against the No. 5-ranked Auburn Tigers. Here is a brief preview and prediction from ESPN:

(15) LSU (4-1, 0-1 SEC) vs. (5) Auburn (4-0, 1-0 SEC)
7:00 PM ET, October 4, 2014
Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Coverage: ESPN/WatchESPN

LSU Leaders:
Passing: Jennings - 42-83, 734 yds, 5 tds
Rushing: Fournette - 56 car, 322 yds, 4 tds
Receiving: Dural - 21 rec, 534 yds, 5 tds

Auburn Leaders:
Passing: Marshall - 41-73, 548 yds, 6 tds
Rushing: Artis-Payne - 86 car, 468 yds, 5 tds
Receiving: Williams - 23 rec, 357 yds, 3 tds

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Freshman quarterback Brandon Harris will make his first career start for LSU, which has won three straight in the series and handed Auburn its only loss of the 2013 regular season. Auburn begins a season-defining stretch that includes five ranked teams in six weeks. Complete Preview

Why Auburn wins big: It’s not as much that I think Auburn is that good -- the offense still isn’t quite in sync. It’s more that I don’t trust LSU freshman quarterback Brandon Harris. The talent is there, but he’s making his first start in what will be a raucous atmosphere on the Plains. And this isn’t last year’s Auburn defense. The front four will make life difficult for Harris and the LSU offense. Auburn 31, LSU 14 -- Greg Ostendorf

Why LSU keeps it close: Clearly none of us has been too impressed with LSU's defense, but Auburn's defense has yet to contend with a passing game like the one it will see on Saturday. Though just a true freshman, Harris has "an NFL arm," according to none other than Gus Malzahn. Expect lots of drama on the Plains. Auburn will prevail in front of the home crowd, but this one could come down to which team has the ball last. Auburn 34, LSU 30 -- Jeff Barlis

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Kickoff is set for 6pm CST on ESPN.