The surging No. 2 LSU Tigers continue their quest for an SEC title and potential College Football Playoff berth when they host the Auburn Tigers in a key showdown Saturday. Kickoff from Tiger Stadium in the nationally-televised showcase comes at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Second-ranked LSU (7-0, 3-0) has blasted through the competition thus far, with its closest victory coming by seven points. But the home-standing Tigers could face their toughest challenge yet from No. 9-ranked Auburn (6-1, 3-1), which could get back into the conference title race and playoff picture with an upset. The visitors come off a 51-10 road win against Arkansas, while LSU took care of business with a 36-13 rout of Mississippi State. LSU is a 10.5-point favorite and the over-under for total points scored is 58 in the latest LSU vs. Auburn odds. Before locking in your LSU vs. Auburn picks, make sure see the college football predictions from CBS Sports and SportsLine college football handicapper Barrett Sallee.
Sallee is a true insider -- a CBS Sports analyst, SiriusXM host, Heisman voter and consistently one of the top CBS Sports experts picking games against the spread. His best bets have helped bring in huge returns. He debuted with SportsLine in 2017 and has delivered in a big way, posting a winning record in his weekly best bets column ever since. He has gotten 2019 off to a blistering start as well, going a stunning 17-6-1 on his college football best bets thus far.
What's more, he has a keen eye for the trajectory of these SEC clubs, posting an incredible 7-0 record on against the spread picks involving Auburn or LSU. Just last week, he told SportsLine members that LSU (-19) would have too much firepower for Mississippi State and would pull away for another cover. That's exactly what happened, and Sallee's followers were rewarded with another winner. Those who have followed him are way up.
Now, he has locked in on LSU vs. Auburn from every angle and released another confident against the spread pick. You can only see it at SportsLine.
Sallee knows both clubs will be prepared for what is likely to be their biggest challenge of the season so far. The LSU Tigers face a critical two-game span that starts Saturday and continues with a Nov. 9 visit to Alabama. These contests will likely determine their fate in the SEC standings and for playoff consideration.
Long known for their physical and fast defense but a relatively conservative offense, coach Ed Orgeron's Tigers have flipped the script. They now boast one of the nation's most potent offenses, led by Heisman candidate Joe Burrow at quarterback.
They are third in the country at 540 total yards per game, and their scoring offense is second at 50.1 points per contest. Those gaudy numbers have come against the likes of Texas, Florida and Mississippi State.
Even so, the Bayou Bengals aren't a lock to cover the LSU vs. Auburn spread on Saturday.
Auburn's stellar defense ranks No. 16 in the country, allowing 17.1 points per contest. The numbers suggest the visiting Tigers could have a matchup advantage against LSU. Auburn has faced multiple opponents that boast strong passing games, but only Texas A&M has eclipsed the 300-yard mark. Auburn's rushing defense ranks No. 11 nationally, allowing 94.3 yards per game.
Auburn's daunting defensive front is led by Marlon Davidson. The three-time SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week leads the club with sacks at 5.5 and tackles for loss with 8.5. Senior safety Jeremiah Dinson anchors a strong secondary. He has recorded 46 tackles to go along with two sacks and an interception.
We can tell you Sallee is leaning under, and he's also identified the critical factor that has him all over one side of the spread. He's only sharing it at SportsLine.
Who wins Auburn vs. LSU? And what critical factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Auburn vs. LSU spread you should jump on Saturday, all from the seasoned expert who has nailed seven straight picks on these teams, and find out.
