Auburn Tigers vs. LSU Tigers Preview & Prediction

One of the SEC's biggest game of 2015 is also one of its earliest, as the #18 Auburn Tigers (2-0) visit Death Valley to face off with the #13 LSU Tigers (1-0). Auburn barely escaped Jacksonville State at home last week. Can Jeremy Johnson and the Tigers step up in the face of ranked competition and take one on the road? Will LSU take a step towards the College Football Playoff and hold serve at home? Here's our Auburn Tigers vs. LSU Tigers Preview & Prediction.

Line: LSU by 7

What's The Stakes?

Early SEC West supremacy? The Alabama Crimson Tide will definitely have a say in things, but Saturday's game will likely determine who the most pressing threat to the Tide's West throne will be. LSU opens 2-0 in SEC play if they get this one with a road win at Mississippi State already in the bag. Auburn gets a measure of pride and ranking clout back if they can pull off the upset on The Bayou.

Key To The Game:

Auburn QB Jeremy Johnson rode a wave of hype into this season, but five interceptions in his first two starts of 2015 have tempered expectations quite a bit. LSU's pass rush is volatile and high-energy both inside and out, so it'll be interesting to see just how Johnson fares against LSU's front seven as the day goes on. If he's productive on the run, Auburn has a chance.

What They're Saying About The Auburn Tigers:

"We believe in Jeremy."

Can Auburn's offense turn things around?

What They're Saying About The LSU Tigers:

Heat advisory in effect for Saturday's game

Brandon Harris is out for revenge against Auburn

Prediction: LSU 27, Auburn 19

We're kinda off the Auburn train after last week's off-kilter performance and LSU has the mark of one of those national championship contenders which rise into the picture as the calendar flips to October-December. Auburn's CFP hopes will be put on life support Saturday as LSU covers the spread in Baton Rouge...barely.