SPORTS

Game preview: Louisiana Tech at No. 5 Auburn

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is looking for better execution of offense against Louisiana Tech than there was at Kansas State.

FOUR DOWN TERRITORY

1) Improve execution: Gus Malzahn and Rhett Lashlee were both disappointed in the "overall execution" on offense against Kansas State. The first-team offense won't dare to produce another mistake-laden game tape. The running game needs to get back on track and the receivers need to show more reliability at catching the ball. A weak non-conference opponent is a good opportunity to address all those issues.

2) Air raiders: Louisiana Tech is a pass-first team, with six players having a touchdown reception. Cody Sokol will attempt a lot of throws regardless, but once the Bulldogs get behind early, he'll be forced to throw even more in obvious passing situations. The Tigers have six interceptions this season — though two are by susp ended safety Jermaine Whitehead — and will have ample chances to add to that total.

3) Find pass rush: There's still inconsistency from the defensive line in affecting the quarterback. Montravius Adams appeared to be ready to break out after a huge performance against San Jose State, but was less involved at Kansas State. DaVonte Lambert has had sacks in back-to-back games and has taken over as a starter on the edge.

4) Depth charge: The backups should have a lot of reps today. Xavier Dampeer could see a lot of time at center as Reese Dismukes will be out the minute the game gets out of hand. With Jordan Diamond out for the year, how the rest of the backups on the offensive line perform could be quite important as the Tigers get back into SEC play.

KEY MATCHUP

Auburn vs. "letdown" effect

This will not be a competitive contest. Louisiana Tech is coming off a loss to Division I-AA Northwestern State, and Auburn is one of the better teams in the country. It won't be as bad as Auburn's annual shellacking of a Division I-AA foe, but this will only be competitive as long as the Tigers allow it to be. If players can't get up for a game with a clearly inferior opponent between the Kansas State trip and next week's meeting with LSU, the Bulldogs will hang around longer.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Auburn defensive back Joshua Holsey pulls in an interception over a Washington State receiver last season at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. Holsey was SEC defensive player of the week last week at Kansas State.

Josh Holsey
Safety, Jr., 5-11, 192

Holsey had the best game of his career after returning to safety to fill in for the suspended Jermaine Whitehead against Kansas State. The junior had 11 tackles, more than doubling his previous career-high (5), en route to being named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Against a pass-heavy La. Tech squad, Holsey, and the rest of the secondary, will have opportunities to make a high number of plays.

BY THE NUMBERS

24: Consecutive non-conference home games Auburn has won.

63: Percentage on third-down conversions, a national best, by the Tigers.

300: Wins at Jordan-Hare Stadium by Auburn, should the Tigers win today.

11-0-1: Auburn's all-time record against Louisiana Tech.

75-8-4: Auburn's record in homecoming games.

PREDICTION

The Tigers appear to correct all the execution issues and effectively end the game by halftime. Jeremy Johnson throws for at least one touchdown and either Roc Thomas or Peyton Barber scores a touchdown. Auburn 56, Louisiana Tech 17

THE GAME

When: 3 p.m. today

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn

Records: Auburn (3-0, 1-0 SEC), Louisiana Tech (2-2, 1-0 Conference USA)

Line: Auburn by 33

On the air: TV — SEC Network. Radio —– WMSP-AM 740, WLWI-FM 92.3

Twitter: @JamesCrepea, @MGMsports, @DuaneRankin

Hashtag: #WarEagle, #Auburn