After a much-needed win against Missouri, LSU football returns home Saturday for another SEC matchup against Auburn. Both teams enter the game with two losses, with Auburn coming off a bye week following its 27-20 loss to Georgia

Here’s how The Reveille Sports Staff predicted the matchup:

Peter Rauterkus | @peter_rauterkus 

The stoppable force versus the movable object is how many would describe this year’s matchup between LSU and Auburn. LSU’s struggling defense against Auburn’s struggling offense is the matchup to watch in this game.

Despite Auburn’s struggles on offense, it was just seven points away from pulling a huge upset against Georgia two weeks ago. However, going on the road to Tiger Stadium, that challenge is stiffer. 

Auburn’s offense had a week off to improve and prepare, but LSU’s defense showed small improvements against Missouri. Add that with LSU’s offensive dominance, and LSU is still the rightful favorite.

Prediction: LSU 34-27 Auburn

Jason Willis | @JasonWillis4  

Auburn’s pass offense has had issues in every aspect: quarterback Payton Thorne’s accuracy and ability to read the field has been questioned, the receivers have had drop problems and the pass protection has had lapses. LSU’s defense has been so bad at times this season that there’s a case for throwing all of that out the window and projecting a tight game anyway.

LSU’s defense may be subject to some breakdowns again, but Auburn just isn’t an offense that’s equipped to take full advantage. The defense’s strides against Missouri also shouldn’t be overlooked: the pass-rush took another step forward and the defensive backfield seemed comfortable in a zone scheme. 

Overall, it’s really difficult to imagine this Auburn offense (which has yet to throw for over 100 yards vs a Power 5 opponent) matching Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. and Logan Diggs for 60 minutes. They’re hotter than anyone in the country.

Prediction: LSU 38-20 Auburn

Tyler Harden | @ttjharden8 

In both of LSU’s losses, it struggled to defend the opposing passing game. Luckily for the defense, Auburn’s pass game has struggled.

Auburn runs a unique offense, running a multi-running back system and a two quarterback system. It will be a major time for the LSU defense to step up, and a time they should be capable of stepping up in.

From there, LSU’s offense will take over, although Auburn’s secondary has shown out at times this season. However, the Nabers-Thomas receiver duo will be too strong for Auburn in the end, with Jayden Daniels being able to use his legs alongside them.

Prediction: LSU 32-18 Auburn

Cabe Bond | @PrezBond 

LSU had a better second half, defensively, last week. That was a major key to exiting Missouri with a win. The Tigers don’t have to be great, they don’t even have to be good. If their defense is serviceable then the offense can do the rest. 

The problem is they aren’t consistent. One drive they get a pick, the next they allow a score in two drives. Fortunately, Auburn doesn’t have nearly as good an offense as Missouri or Ole Miss, and now LSU is back in Death Valley. 

While Auburn always plays LSU close, this LSU offense has been rolling. The Tigers should be able to create some separation because of it and exit with a win. 

Prediction: LSU 45-23 Auburn 

Connor Barney | @theconnorbarney

LSU enters the game with one of the worst defenses in the country, but for this matchup, Auburn enters with one of the worst offenses in the country. Contrary to LSU’s prior shootouts, this game will be much more tame. Playing in Death Valley, LSU should take this one home in a convincing win.

Prediction: LSU 31-17 Auburn

Lizzie Falcetti | @lizziefalcetti

LSU’s defense has slowly progressed since the Ole Miss game, holding Missouri to 14 points in the second half last week. Now, it gets to face an Auburn offense that has recently performed substandard. Against Georgia, Auburn only had 82 passing yards and 307 total yards. 

This week is a big opportunity for the LSU defense to fully get back on track and play to the talent it has. Auburn is only averaging 14.7 points against Power 5 teams, so LSU should have a solid game, not giving up as many points as it has the last two games.

On the other side of the ball, the LSU offense has been fantastic, ranking sixth in points per game and third in yards per game in Division I. If the offense can repeat that level of production against the Auburn defense, it should be able to comfortably take this one.

Prediction: LSU 38-24 Auburn