http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080918/SPORTS/809180307
BATON ROUGE – There have been a lot of crazy games in the LSU-Auburn series. A building behind Jordan-Hare Stadium burned to the ground during an LSU win in 1995. Auburn won the Interception game with a bevy of those in 1994. LSU won the Earthquake game in 1988 when Tiger Stadium crowd noise registered in the geology department.
But have you noticed that the series this decade usually has LSU playing at Auburn early in the season and Auburn playing at LSU later in the season?
That’s the case again as No. 6 LSU (2-0) plays at No. 10 Auburn (3-0) at 6:45 p.m. Saturday after hosting Auburn on Oct. 20 last season. LSU played at Auburn on Sept. 18 in 2004 and on Sept. 16 in 2006 with Auburn traveling to Tiger Stadium on Oct. 25 of 2003 and on Oct. 22 of 2005.
LSU coach Les Miles was wondering about this scheduling quirk, particularly as he brings a first-year SEC starter at quarterback in Andrew Hatch to Saturday’s game along with two green backups in Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson. Former LSU coach Nick Saban faced a similar situation in 2004 with redshirt freshman JaMarcus Russell thrown into the SEC fray after just two home games. Auburn won 10-9 as Russell was 8-of-19 passing for 123 yards with an interception.
“I don’t know quite how that has come about,” Miles said. “Certainly, the games that are played early, there is less development within the team. But both teams have to play early or late.”
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville admits he has had opportunities to get his team seasoned before going to LSU in October.
TheAdvertiser
9/18/08
