How similar are the 2023 LSU Tigers to 2014 Auburn?

This year's LSU squad resembles the 2014 Auburn Tigers in many ways on both sides of the ball. What are the most compelling similarities between the two teams?

The Auburn Tigers head down to Baton Rouge, La. this weekend for a matchup with the No. 22 LSU Tigers.

This LSU squad runs a fast-paced offense with a dual-threat quarterback and is not so stellar on defense. Sound familiar?

There are many parallels between the 2014 Auburn Tigers and this year's LSU Tigers. What are some of the most distinct similarities?

Defense? Never heard of it.

The 2014 Auburn Tigers were explosive on the offensive side of the ball. The defensive side, however, was nothing to write home about. They allowed 26.69 points and 398.8 yards per game on average.

This year's LSU team is allowing 32.33 points and 445.66 yards per game on average.

Defense was/is not the strength of either team.

You better keep an eye on the quarterback

Both teams were/are led by a quarterback who possesses a strong ability to extend plays.

Nick Marshall went 178-293 for 2,532 yards and 20 touchdowns through the air. He picked up 798 yards and 11 touchdowns from 153 attempts on the ground.

Jayden Daniels has gone 132-181 for 1,969 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air so far this season. On the ground, he has picked up 422 yards and four touchdowns off of 75 carries.

Each quarterback would be a challenge for even the best defenses in college football. Being multi-dimensional stretches any defense thin.

Dynamic duo at wide receiver? Ballgame.

Marshall had two heavily dependable targets in Sammie Coates and D'haquille Williams. Coates caught 34 passes for 741 yards and four touchdowns. Williams caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns.

Daniels has Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Nabers has caught 46 passes for 771 yards and six touchdowns so far this season. Thomas has caught 37 passes for 603 yards and nine touchdowns so far this season.

Nothing beats a having workhorse in the backfield

Both teams had a designated guy at the running back position.

Cameron Artis-Payne was a crucial factor in 2014 Auburn's offense. He picked up 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns off of 303 carries.

Logan Diggs has been that guy for LSU. He has rushed for 488 yards and four touchdowns off of 81 carries.

These teams have a considerable amount of parallels between them. If they could somehow play against one another, it could be one of the most exciting games of all time.

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