SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
QBs Marcus Randall and JaMarcus Russell both played better in the second game of the season, but the best thing that happened offensively was the progress of the running game. With 251 yards rushing and 210 passing, the Tigers produced the kind of balance that makes it hard for a defense to load up against either the run or the pass.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
After an inconsistent performance against Oregon State, the defense played much better against Arkansas State, allowing just 201 yards and a field goal. Auburn will be the first real physical test for a defense still looking for the right pieces to replace the loss of three starters among last year's front seven.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I really wasn't as critical of our team relative to the Oregon State game as a lot of people were. We've never played very well around here in bad weather. That's not an excuse. We just haven't, but we never practice in it. We put the balls in buckets. We make them wet, but it doesn't make the field wet. It's a concern that I have about our ability to adapt to those kinds of situations." -- LSU coach Nick Saban on LSU's struggles in wet weather, which could be an issue when (and if) LSU plays at Auburn in the wake of Hurricane Ivan.

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