The Next Three Weeks Will Decide how Good Joe Burrow and LSU Are

GA VS LSU E101318 142 by Tammy Anthony Baker licensed under CC BY 2.0

Let’s not get bogged down in the fact that Joe Burrow has been incredible this season.  29 touchdowns to 3 interceptions while averaging over 350 yards per game are some astronomical numbers for a team that plays in the SEC should not be scoffed at.  Wins against teams like Texas and Florida have shown that Burrow has immense talent, but the next two games will decide how truly good his season could be.

October 26th Auburn makes the trip to Baton Rouge for a great top 10 matchup in the SEC.  Auburn ranks 23rd in total defense, 23rd in 3rd down percentage, 12th in rushing defense and T-27 in sacks this season.  Burrow may have some opportunities facing the 68th ranked passing defense, but Auburn has proven they have the ability to make it difficult on elite quarterbacks like Justin Herbert in the first game of the season.  Bo Nix seemed to find some confidence last weekend with a big win against Arkansas, so LSU could have some difficulties.

LSU receives a bye week before traveling to Tuscaloosa to face number 1 Alabama in what could be a preview of the national championship game as in 2012.  Alabama’s defense might not be as good on defense as they have been in years past, but the offense might be the most talented it has ever been.  4 high NFL draft picks at wide receiver in Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, Devonte Smith, and Jaylen Waddle (2021), a day 2 running back in Dylan Moses, and oh yeah, the potential number 1 overall pick in this years draft, Tua Tagvailoa.  4th in total offense, T-3rd in total touchdowns,  and 4th in third down conversion percentage, this offense if firing on all cylinders, even though they are having to go further in games due to the slight drop off in defense.  Burrow is going to need to put up points in this contest in order to keep pace, which he has had no problem doing this season.  Tua may be nursing a sprained ankle and this could be the advantage LSU needs to finally get over the Bama hurdle.

The remainder of the season for LSU gets much easier, but these two showcase games could set them up for an impressive season overall.  If LSU falters in these two games though, it could be the same story over again where the Tigers cannot get over the elephant size hump that is the Crimson Tide.