After a one-week hiatus, the Auburn Tigers are gearing up for an intense SEC West showdown against the No. 22 LSU in the intimidating confines of Death Valley.

In their last outing, Auburn put up a valiant fight but narrowly succumbed to the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, losing 27-20. The game showcased Georgia’s offensive prowess, especially in the decisive fourth quarter, but it was Auburn’s tenacious defense that kept them in contention throughout the match.

The Auburn defense managed to force two crucial turnovers in the late stages of the game. However, a recurring issue for Auburn this season has been their offense’s struggle to make key passing and rushing plays.

While LSU’s defense has had some lackluster moments lately, they have the potential to exploit Auburn’s receiving corps and their starting quarterback, Payton Thorne, who currently ranks last in SEC passing yards and quarterback ratings.

LSU’s defense has been showing signs of improvement with each passing week, but Auburn enters this game in search of their first SEC victory.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the Auburn players who will be putting LSU to the test:

Defensive Players:

Eugene Asante: In his second season with the Tigers after transferring from North Carolina, Asante has emerged as a prominent leader for the Auburn defense, particularly in the linebacker position. Known for his motivational catchphrase “let’s work,” he’s set to bring 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, and is tied for first on defense with two sacks. His standout performance in Week 2 earned him the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Jaylin Simpson: Simpson has been a standout performer for Auburn, leading the team with four interceptions. Impressively, he recorded an interception in each of their first three games, which tied him for the most in Auburn’s history. Although he missed the last game against Georgia due to a calf injury, he’s set to return on Saturday after two weeks of recovery. Despite his listed position as a cornerback, Simpson mainly operates as a free safety, excelling in pass defense. He’ll be tasked with disrupting LSU’s potent passing plays, particularly from receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers.

D.J. James: Regarded as a top-10 cornerback in the NCAA by On3, James has delivered a strong defensive performance in Auburn’s initial five games. His versatility allows him to excel in pass breakups, interceptions, and tackles. With 2.5 tackles for losses, he poses a significant threat while covering LSU’s receivers.

Marcus Harris: Harris, a defensive lineman, ranks third on the team in total tackles with 19. He boasts two sacks, along with several other Auburn defenders, and has notched five tackles for losses. Harris also has a forced fumble to his name and is known for his tenacity in stopping the run. He’ll be instrumental in containing LSU’s running back, Logan Diggs, on Saturday, making it imperative for LSU’s offensive line to hold him back.

Offensive Players:

Kam Stutts: Stutts, a right guard with six seasons under his belt at Auburn, has shown unwavering commitment to the Tigers through multiple coaching changes. In 2022, he contributed on both sides of the offensive line but now primarily focuses on the right. Stutts’s size and strength will be pivotal in thwarting LSU defenders from disrupting running back Jarquez Hunter and reaching Thorne in the pocket.

Jay Fair: While Fair may not be at the top of SEC stats, he stands as Auburn’s most promising wide receiver. With 196 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, Fair has come a long way since last season, when he had minimal playing time and only 34 yards in two receptions. His increased game experience has significantly honed his skills, and he, alongside tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, is a primary target for Thorne. Fair leads Auburn in catches and will be a key factor in their offensive strategy.

The Auburn Tigers are primed and ready to take on LSU, with their defensive and offensive talents prepared to leave a mark on the game. It promises to be a compelling SEC showdown that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.