How Will Auburn Combat Jayden Daniels and LSU's Passing Attack?

The Auburn Tigers will be challenged through the air this Saturday. LSU has one of the most prolific passing offenses in the country, as the Tigers passing game sits at 337.7 yards through the air per game, #7 in the country.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels is tremendous, and he is making use of several talented running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Daniels is also throwing to not one, but two, big-time wide receivers. That's the key here, and the crux of this article.

Let’s take a look at these two pass catchers, as well as a couple of questions and thoughts about Auburn’s ability to combat both of Daniels’ primary targets, and the LSU passing game overall.

Malik Nabers, 6-foot, 200 pounds, Junior

2023 statistics: 46 receptions, 771 yards, 16.8 average, and 8 touchdowns

Brian Thomas, Jr., 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Junior

2023 Statistics: 37 receptions, 603 yards, 16.3 average, and 9 touchdowns

Both of these receivers are elite playmakers, no doubt. Nabers gets the most hype and he's a nifty receiver that makes difficult catches look rather easy. Toe taps on the sideline, excellent route running, and tremendous after the catch ability.

Thomas, meanwhile, is a big-bodied receiver with speed. His long-term upside is off the charts. With many teams focusing on Nabers, Thomas is destroying secondaries. He's a threat to score anytime the football comes his way.

Auburn’s secondary is no slouch either, however. The Tigers are sitting at No. 32 in the country by allowing 194.2 yards passing per game, and that’s against a quality schedule.

In particular, Auburn safety Jaylin Simpson is on a hot streak, as he's up to 4 interceptions. He could be a pivotal Auburn player to watch this Saturday.

So, now onto three questions and thoughts about this crucial matchup between Auburn's secondary and LSU's passing attack.

1) How often will Auburn play man defense versus LSU?

This might be the hardest question to answer. It’s risky to go man coverage just because Daniels is such an adept runner; getting beat over the top is also a possible result. In fact, that second point, it could happen multiple times.

Man coverage also allows a simple defensive scheme and the Auburn defense to play aggressive. It’s a hard call. Thus, the best bet, Ron Roberts and the Tigers will use at least some man defense, but pick their spots. Roberts has some history of being aggressive when the situation calls for it, so it’s going to be interesting to see which specific plays he dials up man coverage.

2) Similarly, how often do the Tigers come after Daniels with blitzes?

This is generally going to be another man coverage situation. Here we come!

Again, risky. The other side of the coin, it’s really hard to just sit back and rush four, while an excellent LSU offensive line protects for Daniels and he’s just surveying the defense.

Basically, Daniels is just too good to allow time. He’s a dude. A future NFL signal caller, in fact. While timing with the play calls will be vital, Auburn all but has to heat up Daniels. The success of each Auburn blitz could be a major factor for whether Auburn holds a serious chance in this game (betting odds have LSU at -11 to -11.5).

3) Will Auburn’s secondary make key plays?

Tackling in space, creating a fumble (or two), taking away the deep ball, the list goes on and on. Auburn’s secondary will be battling big-time talent and needs to rise to the occasion.

Can the Tigers secondary accomplish those tasks? Absolutely. Here’s a very important part of that equation, too.

Auburn’s secondary needs to win some 50-50 balls and be successful versus LSU’s Nabers and Thomas early in the game; help Auburn build an early lead.

If LSU gets out to a 10-plus point lead, allowing Daniels to have carte blanche with running or passing plays, it’s going to be difficult to come back. Just the opposite, AU needs to be able to dictate to LSU by getting some short fields for the offense and gaining a first half lead.

It's a big challenge for Auburn's secondary against LSU's passing game.

Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!

Join the Locked on Auburn Discord

Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter

Like Auburn Daily on Facebook

Subscribe to Locked On Auburn on YouTube