LSU at Auburn

Last year Auburn came into this game with the No. 8 ranked offense, while LSU was ranked No. 112. But even then, LSU held Auburn to 193 total yards, while generating 393 themselves in a 31-10 win. That was an Auburn team without Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Newton at QB so LSU won't find as much defensive success here. Newton has been sensational, accounting for over 2,100 yards of offense himself. But, this year the LSU defense is better, allowing just 242 yards and just 14 points per game while accruing 21 sacks. Newton has been spectacular, but looking at him vs. a Mississippi State defense that ranks No. 35, he threw for just 135 yards with an INT, rushing for 70 yards on 18 carries. Clemson held Auburn to -2 yards in the first quarter, and held a 17-0 lead late in the first half until a personal foul on a cheap hit to QB Kyle Parker had him hobbling the rest of the game. Clemson had piled up 256 yards by halftime, but were ineffective the rest of the way behind an ailing Parker. Auburn clawed back in and won by 3 points. Newton, however, was held to 68 yards on 17 carries, throwing two INTs on the day. This is an LSU team with the capacity to do the same and more as they have speed on the edges to contain Newton, as well as lockdown CB's to minimize the aerial attack. Newton makes Auburn a one-dimensional offense, so slowing or stopping him makes the game come down to the wire. I'll take the points here and back LSU for the win.