Entering the Auburn Game, as several previous games, Les Miles and the LSU Tigers felt they had something to prove. They were desperately looking for that break-out game for quarterback Jordan Jefferson and the underachieving offense. A game that would legitimize national title hopes. To that point, the offense consisted of very good running game and a passing game that completely consisted of short to intermediate passes. An offense that was predictable and often called vanilla. This game, Miles had promised a more aggressive downfield attack and more pocket presence from his young quarterback.

On Monday, I hope that coach Miles was sending a thank you card to Auburn defensive coordinator Ted Roof. Roof’s game plan played right into what Miles was wanting to do, albeit a fan pleaser. Auburn seemingly decided to attack LSU’s strength, its running game. Shut down the running game and dare the sophomore quarterback to beat them with his arm. Well, it worked out well for LSU. Auburn’s porous secondary was lit up for a LSU season high 242 passing yards. It quietened a lot of the critics but rose concerns for the running game as the Tigers star running back, Charles Scott, was held to a measly 20 yards. Freshman sensation Russell Sheppard struggled for running room with 5 carries for 6 yards until he broke one for loose for 69 yards and his first collegiate score.

Although Miles is declaring mission accomplished, I believe LSU still hasn’t put together a complete game offensively. When facing a complete defense like Alabama, the Tigers will need a balanced attack. The good news is the defense is playing about as good as one can. In the last three SEC games, the Tiger defense has only allowed two touchdowns. Only Alabama has allowed fewer in the SEC.
This week LSU has the downtrodden Tulane Greenwave. It should not be as much of a test of ability as it will be a test of mental focus. With the biggest game of the year, Alabama, looming the following week, the Tigers must focus on the game at hand and not look ahead. LSU cruises to victory 45-3.