Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin get’s first taste of SEC play in Death Valley

This past offseason the Auburn Tigers decided to move on from Gus Mahlzan, the head coach that took them to a national championship appearance in 2013. Outside of that season, he didn’t do much else. They decided to bring in Bryan Harsin from Boise State to run the program.

After finishing out their nonconference schedule on Saturday, he will get his first taste of SEC action as a head coach. Just so happens to be in Death Valley for a Saturday night showdown. Auburn handed the LSU Tigers their worst loss of the series last year, the Bayou Bengals are looking for redemption.

Auburn started off the year with two easy wins against Akron and Alabama State, where they outscored the opposition 122-10. The last two games have not been so easy for the Tigers. They are 1-1 and needed a 98-yard drive late against Georgia State to get the victory. Starting quarterback Bo Nix was benched in the last game in favor of former LSU QB TJ Finley. That leaves a huge question revolving around which passer will take the field against LSU on Saturday.

The 34-24 victory doesn’t tell the whole story as to just how bad Auburn was in that game. Auburn gave up 267 yards on the ground and 20 total first downs to an FCS opponent. Against the LSU Tigers, Auburn’s defense will be tested.

While the LSU team doesn’t show the ability to run the football as they have in years past, they can challenge teams throwing the football. Max Johnson has thrown 3+ touchdowns in each of his six career starts. He and Kayshon Boutte will be major factors when these two teams meet on Saturday night.