Five questions with LSU beat writer Ross Dellenger

AUBURN -- Each week we chat with a beat writer who covers Auburn's opponent to help get a better understanding leading up to Saturday's game.

This week we hear from a former Auburn beat writer now in Baton Rouge, Ross Dellenger of The Advocate, to get some insight into No. 15 LSU. You can follow Ross on Twitter @DellengerAdv.

1) Brandon Harris is making his first start on the road, against an Auburn staff who heavily recruited him, what did he and his teammates have to say about blocking out some of the natural emotions about this Saturday?
Harris spoke to us after last Saturday's game. Asked about playing at Auburn, Harris answered in his usual fashion - with confidence. He's a confident kid. He said he doesn't get nervous in situations such as this one. That'll be tested Saturday.

Teammates have warned Harris about what to expect from a hostile SEC road environment. LSU practices with speakers blaring so they're used to the noise, but we've seen Harris mentally stumble on a few plays this season. He's been in the system less than a year.

Harris hasn't really spoken about his recruitment, aside from saying that he wanted to remain in-state and play for LSU.

2) So much was made this off-season about Leonard Fournette and Malachi Dupre and deservedly so. With this being LSU's sixth game, where are they in their development?
Fournette is drastically behind schedule - only because he hasn't already secured the 2014 Heisman Trophy. Fans' expectations on that kid - the No. 1-ranked recruit last year - are sky high. For many, Fournette is right on schedule. He leads LSU in rushing and is beginning to show more patience as a runner, finding the holes and cutback lanes much better than he did earlier this season - when he'd just bounce runs outside and get stuffed.

Dupre, a top-3 prospect at his position last year, got off to a slow start as well. He missed the season opener with an injury. He's suffered from hamstring and ankle injuries during fall camp and missed a few practices. Over the last few games, though, Dupre has shown why he was such a highly rated recruit. He has a 43-inch vertical and some serious speed. He seems to have a great connection with Harris.

3) LSU's defense has been lights out against overmatched teams and less so against Wisconsin and Mississippi State, what has been most problematic?
The defensive tackle and middle linebacker positions - so, up the middle. LSU's defensive tackle position has been most troubling. They're young, inexperienced, have a lack of depth and seem to be injury plagued. It's unclear if starting DT Quentin Thomas will play this week. He's already playing with a torn biceps in his right arm and he injured his left arm against Mississippi State. Davon Godchaux, a true freshman, started in his place last week. Lewis Neal, all of 255 pounds, is the rotating No. 3 with Thomas out. He's a defensive end moved to tackle during fall camp because of the depth problems.

At middle linebacker, LSU could see a change in the starter. D.J. Welter, a starter in every game last season and the first five this year, has seen his reps diminish for Kendell Beckwith, a highly recruited talent who played more last week than he ever has. There are rumblings that Beckwith will get the start against Auburn.

4) As much as Auburn wants to avenge last year's loss and stop a three-game skid, is there much pride in keeping the winning streak in tact when this LSU team is so young?
The winning streak hasn't been discussed at all. Some of the key cogs on this team are true freshmen who were in high school just a few months ago. Doubt many even know about the streak. The veterans on the team might be aware of it, but, if they are, they haven't mentioned it this week during interviews.

5) Auburn wins if?
It runs the ball well and controls the clock. LSU is weak up the middle. If Auburn can adopt Mississippi State's plan - spread'em out and run right at'em - it should win the game.

LSU's offense is a different animal with Harris behind center. Its a potent group, but Harris will make his mistakes in such a hostile environment for the first time. Still, keeping the ball away from him and his group is key.