The latest chapter in the LSU-Auburn rivalry did not produce an onslaught of points from the nation’s second highest scoring offense, instead 2nd ranked Fighting Tigers won an good ol fashion SEC showdown over 9th ranked Auburn 23-20.
Heisman Trophy hopeful Joe Burrow still threw for 300-plus yards, but junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s 136 yards rushing and a touchdown was the key in the Tigers third win this season against a top 10 opponent. The Baton Rouge product also had seven catches for 51 yards.
Burrow also rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown as LSU’s run game wore down one of the top defenses in the SEC with 187 yards on the ground. The Tigers scored 13 unanswered points, after falling behind 13-10 in the third quarter.
LSU has scored in quick bursts this season, but on this Saturday, the Bayou Bengals easily won the time of possession battle 33:02 to 26:58.
The Tigers defense held Auburn to 287 total yards. War Eagles freshman quarterback Bo Nix played like a freshman as he was 15-of-35 for 157 yards and one interception. Freshman Derek Stingley Junior had a beautiful interception to deny a scoring opportunity for Auburn in the final seconds of the first half.
Junior safety Jacoby Stevens had another strong game with ten tackles. Jacob Phillips had seven tackles and a sack.
Two of Auburn’s four scoring drives were relatively short and their field goal in the third quarter was set up by a DJ Williams 70-yard run, one of the few mistakes by an improving LSU defense.
LSU rolled up 508 yards as Burrow threw for 321 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Ja’Marr Chase was unstoppable, eight catches for 123 yards. Terrace Marshall returned from a broken foot to catch a 20-yard touchdown pass.
LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss also had a big game, seven catches for 45 yards as the Tigers settled for a lot of short passes.
It was a penalty filled game with the two SEC rivals combining 27 penalties. Auburn was flagged 15 times, the most for a Gus Malzhan team at Auburn.
There were also numerous stoppages for injuries and instant replay reviews. Which made for a long, but satisfying day for Purple-and-Gold nation.
LSU improves to 8-0, 4-0 in the SEC and the victory sets up the Game of the Century Two in two weeks when the Tigers visit number one Alabama.
Let the hype begin.
