THIS WEEK'S GAME: Auburn at LSU, Saturday, Oct. 25 -- This is a game both teams have seen as a potential SEC West championship since the summer. Both teams will look to run the ball and stop the run, but while Auburn appears to be better in the running game, LSU should be more dangerous in the passing game. If the Tigers can live up to their stats as the nation's top run defense, they can control this game and get back in the SEC West race.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Matt Mauck -- Mauck bounced back from a shaky performance against Florida by completing 24 of 30 passes for 199 yards with 2 TDs and an INT against South Carolina. Through seven games, he is third in the SEC in passing efficiency (142.5 rating), having completed 115 of 182 passes for 1389 yards with 12 TDs and 6 INTs this season. More important, he is now 11-2 in his career as a starting QB at LSU.

WR Michael Clayton -- Even on an offense where he must share the ball with other talented receivers, Clayton stands out, ranking third in the SEC in receptions (35) and receiving yards (561). He averages 16.0 yards a catch, second in the SEC.

RBs Alley Broussard, Justin Vincent and Barrington Edwards -- With leading rushers Shyone Carey and Joseph Addai sidelined by injuries against South Carolina, LSU's three freshman running backs combined to rush for 222 yards. Addai appears to be out again this week and Carey still faces some questions, so one or more of these freshmen will probably have to step up in a big way.

DB Corey Webster -- Through seven games, Webster has 28 tackles and three interceptions and leads the SEC with 16 pass breakups.

INJURY IMPACT
RB Shyrone Carey (knee) returned to practice on Monday and will most likely be ready to play against Auburn on Saturday, but the Tigers aren't counting on RB Joseph Addai (knee). Look for freshen Justin Vincent and Alley Broussard to once again play key roles in the running game. ... The Tigers will be without LG Nate Livings for at least four weeks because of ligament and cartilage damage in his right knee. His replacement, Terrell McGill, is also trying to practice through a nagging ankle injury.

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