If any team knows how to stay focused through distractions, it’s LSU.
The Tigers have already overcome suspensions of senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson, junior wide receiver Russell Shepard and senior linebacker Ryan Baker, and now face another challenge with new reports surfacing this week alleging sophomore running back Spencer Ware and sophomore defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon could face suspensions.
LSU coach Les Miles wouldn’t confirm the allegations, but he assured that top-ranked LSU (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) will be prepared Saturday when No. 20 Auburn (5-2, 3-1 SEC) comes to Baton Rouge.
“I expect that my team will take the field ably manned and ready to play at all positions,” Miles said.
While Auburn may not be at the national championship level it was last season, the Bayou Bengals are still going to need all hands on deck as they face two of the top 15 rushers in the SEC on Saturday.
Auburn sophomore running back Michael Dyer is the third-leading rusher in the SEC, compiling 752 yards and eight touchdowns this season while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Dyer will be accompanied by junior half back Onterio McCalebb, who’s rushed for an additional 355 yards and one score.
Together, the duo puts the Auburn Tigers third in the conference, averaging 197 rushing yards per outing.
“We know when they put [McCalebb] in, it’s a lot of speed on the field, and when they put [Dyer] in, it’s speed and power,” said senior safety Brandon Taylor, who led LSU in tackles last week at Tennessee. “They made a lot of plays last year on us. We know they run a lot of misdirection, so we’ve just got to keep our eyes on our keys.”
One player keeping a special eye on McCalebb is senior linebacker Ryan Baker, who played against McCalebb during his sophomore year in high school.
McCalebb’s Fort Meade Miners got the better of Baker’s Blountstown Tigers in Florida’s state championship game, but Baker said he got his fair share of licks in before it was over.
“I did my thing,” Baker laughed. “I remember [McCalebb] for his speed. He’s a fast guy. He’s always been known for the speed.”
Having already faced a mass of talented running backs this season, Dyer and McCalebb bring yet another challenge to the LSU defense, which has grown accustomed to the heavy ground attacks.
“It’s kind of difficult, but it’s something we expect,” said sophomore defensive end Barkevious Mingo. “We know playing in the conference that we’re going to play against the best players.”
While LSU knows what to expect from Auburn’s running back, the signal caller may be a different story.
For the third straight week, the Bayou Bengals will face a newly promoted starting quarterback, this time in the form of 6-foot-3, 224-pound sophomore Clint Moseley.
Moseley has made appearances in only three games this season, completing 6-of-9 passes for 120 yards, and will make his first start Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium.
He took over for junior quarterback Barrett Trotter at the start of the third quarter last week against Florida, after Trotter completed 2-of-8 passes for 33 yards.
“We’ve been struggling offensively the last couple of weeks,” said Auburn coach Gene Chizik. “I feel like we need a spark there. [Moseley] has really tried to elevate his level of game in terms of preparing like a starter. Looking where we are offensively and the spark we need, we feel like this is the best decision.”
“Struggling” may be an understatement.
Auburn hasn’t exceeded 200 passing yards since its Sept. 3 opener against Utah State, and the team ranks No. 106 in the nation with 163.9 pass yards per game.
Despite the low numbers, Baker warned not to take the reigning champions lightly.
“You can’t forget that they’re fresh off a national championship,” Baker said. “Any time you’re in a national championship game, you’re doing something right. I don’t think it’s a payback thing, I think it’s more of us proving ourselves. I’m ready for the challenge.”
 
 
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]