LSU vs. Auburn point spread: Picking dual Tigers matchup

LSU and Auburn are gearing up to square off in an intriguing SEC West matchup this week. Brian Kelly’s group has had to overcome some struggles on defense through the first half of the year while Hugh Freeze’s offense has had its share of issues.

The oddsmakers in Las Vegas are high on LSU, though. The Tigers as 11.5-point favorites over Auburn, according to FanDuel. The biggest question for Auburn will be if the passing offense can get going. That unit ranks 122nd out of 133 FBS teams with just 156.2 passing yards per game this season.

Even with LSU’s issues on defense, particularly against Ole Miss, former Tigers center T-Bob Hebert thinks his alma mater might be able to do enough to cover that big number.

“I don’t know if anybody can make them look like a functional passing [offense],” Hebert told Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3 about Auburn. “I mean, the numbers are crazy. Their leading receiver has sub-200 yards on the year. You know you played Georgia and you played some okay games. But like, you’ve also played bad opponents that you should have been able to stack some numbers against. So, I don’t think I’m gonna play this spread on my own personal card. LSU is just way too unpredictable right now.

“But, I would play LSU if I had a play here. And you mentioned the home factor. To me, that’s actually — and then look, the offense is just unstoppable. And I like Auburn’s defense. It’s salty. But I’ll take this offense. Like, the offense is strong everywhere. The o-line’s the best I’ve ever seen at LSU.”

The big key for Auburn will be the running game, which is going up against an LSU team that averages 160.3 yards per game on the ground. However, that number might be inflated by Ole Miss’ 317-yard showing on Sept. 30, which marked the only time this year LSU allowed more than 175 rushing yards in. game.

Although LSU has allowed 350 passing yards per game three times this year, Staples doesn’t think Auburn has the fire power to capitalize. Even though 11.5 points is a lot, he’s also rolling with LSU to cover.

“LSU does not seem to be that bad against the run,” Staples said. “It’s the pass that gives them the problem. LSU is an 11.5-point favorite. That’s a lot of points. But they are at home. And again, if they were Swiss cheese against the run, I’d be like, ‘Auburn all day. That’s way too many points.’ … If we think LSU can make them with like a functional passing offense, then I might be willing to take Auburn and the points. But I think I’m probably taking LSU here.”