After a week off, the Auburn Tigers will head to Death Valley on Saturday for an SEC West matchup against No. 22 LSU. 
In its last game, Auburn narrowly lost 27-20 to the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs in a hard-fought battle. While Georgia’s win came from a powerful offensive drive in the fourth quarter, it was their defense that kept the Tigers competitive throughout the game. 

The Auburn defense forced two turnovers in crucial plays late in the game. However, the offense’s inability to make critical passing or rushing plays have been common themes for Auburn this season. 

Though LSU’s defense has performed under par recently, it should be able to capitalize on Auburn’s receiving corp and starting quarterback, Payton Thorne, who is last in SEC passing yards and quarterback ratings.

LSU’s defense is proving it can get better week by week, but Auburn will come into the game looking for its first SEC win. 

Here’s an overview of Auburn players who will test LSU. 

Defensive players:

Eugene Asante

In his second season with the Tigers after transferring from North Carolina, Asante has been an early leader for the Auburn defense at linebacker. With his catchphrase “let’s work,” he will be bringing high energy into Saturday’s game, aiming to break through LSU’s offensive line. 

Asante leads the team in tackles with 35, 26 of which are solo. He’s also tied for first on defense with two sacks. In Week 2, Asante was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week with 12 tackles against University of California, Berkeley.

Jaylin Simpson

Simpson leads the team with four interceptions and had an interception in each of their first three games, which tied him for the most in Auburn history. He didn’t play in the last game against Georgia because of a calf injury but will be back on Saturday after two weeks of recuperation.

Although listed at cornerback, Simpson is mostly positioned at free safety and is a ball-hawking pass defender. Because LSU receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers have been on fire, Simpson will aim to interrupt big passing plays. 

D.J. James

One recently ranked James as a top-10 cornerback in the NCAA following his defensive performance in Auburn’s first five games. A versatile player, he has the ability to make pass breakups, interceptions and tackles. James has 2.5 tackles for losses and will be a threat while covering LSU’s receivers. 

Marcus Harris

Harris is a defensive lineman who currently sits third on the team in tackles with 19 total. He has two sacks along with multiple other Auburn defenders and five tackles for losses. Harris has one forced fumble and is aggressive in stopping the run. He will target the containment of running back Logan Diggs on Saturday, so LSU’s offensive line must hold him back. 

Offensive players:

Kam Stutts

This right guard is in his sixth season with Auburn and has stayed with the Tigers through three coaches. In 2022, he played on both sides of the offensive line, but now is solely on the right. Against LSU, Stutts will use his size and strength to hold off LSU defenders from stopping running back Jarquez Hunter and getting to Thorne in the pocket. 

Jay Fair 

While Fair doesn’t rank high in SEC stats, he is Auburn’s best wide receiver. Fair has 196 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Last season, with little playing time, he recorded only 34 yards in two receptions. More game experience has developed his skill immensely. Along with tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, Fair is a main target for Thorne. He leads Auburn in catches. 

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