Louisiana-Monroe (1-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) at Auburn (0-2, 0-1 SEC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 12:21 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
Spread: Auburn by 16.5
Watchability: This game barely registered on the watchability scale until last weekend. Auburn’s struggles in a 28-10 loss to Mississippi State, coupled with Louisiana-Monroe’s shocking overtime 34-31 overtime win over Arkansas, gives this week’s game some intrigue.
Shining stars: Auburn: DE Corey Lemonier keeps producing despite the Tigers’ early season struggles. He had another sacks against Mississippi State after registering two in the season opener against Clemson. He’s been a true bright spot for the Auburn defense. Louisiana-Monroe: QB Kolton Browning had an absolutely huge game in the upset at Arkansas, completing 42 of 67 passes (62.7 percent) for 412 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception. He was very methodical in the Warhawks’ win. None of his completions went over 30 yards, but he was very accurate in moving his team down the field.
Who could steal the show: Auburn: WR Emory Blake has six receptions for 140 yards through two weeks -- a 23.3 yards per reception average. He’s been the main source of consistency among the team's receivers. No other WR has more than 58 receiving yards on the season. Louisiana-Monroe: WR Brent Leonard certainly stole the show at Arkansas. Can he do it to consecutive SEC opponents? Leonard had 11 receptions for 122 yards against the Razorbacks, but none was bigger than his 23-yard touchdown grab with 47 seconds left that ultimately sent that game into overtime.
You going? Ranking the road trip: This would be a decent trip to make if you’re in the area. It’s the home opener for the Tigers, so there will be a sense of desperation with Auburn starting the season 0-2 and this could be a competitive game. Regardless of the opponent, the small town of Auburn turns into a bustling city on game day.
Magic number for Auburn: 8. The Tigers have won all eight meetings against the Warhawks.
Magic number for Louisiana-Monroe: 2. Though it’s been a small sample size, the Warhawks are currently ranked second nationally in passing yards per game with 412.
The game comes down to: Auburn has to put a few drives together. QB Kiehl Frazier doesn’t have to be perfect, but he must utilize weapons such as TE Philip Lutzenkirchen and Blake, and the Tigers need one of their RBs to step up and seize the No. 1 role. The Warhawks shouldn’t be able to block Lemonier, and the Auburn defense can’t get picked apart like it did against Mississippi State.
Prediction: Auburn 34, Louisiana-Monroe 21
For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
