Will the real Tigers please stand up? Auburn’s not afraid of LSU, moves to 7-0 in SEC play

In one of the most thrilling SEC matchups of the season, Auburn football proved it is ready to take on all comers, defeating LSU in a statement victory that pushed them to 7-0 in SEC play. The victory not only solidified their position as a contender in the SEC but also answered a resounding question: “Will the real Tigers please stand up?” As it turns out, Auburn isn’t backing down from anyone, especially LSU.

Auburn’s win over LSU was more than just a result on the scoreboard; it was a declaration. A declaration that this Auburn team, under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze, is prepared to face the SEC’s best and emerge victorious, regardless of the challenge. After several seasons of uncertainty, Auburn has now positioned itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the conference—and their dominant 7-0 start to SEC play has earned them respect from fans, analysts, and rivals alike.

Let’s break down how Auburn was able to get this massive victory over LSU and what it means for their future in the SEC and beyond.

The Backdrop: A Season of Redemption

Auburn’s 2025 season has been a tale of redemption. After years of struggling under inconsistent leadership and frustratingly up-and-down performances, Hugh Freeze took over the program with one goal in mind: to return Auburn football to national prominence. With a new coaching staff and a revamped roster, Freeze has had his fair share of challenges, but he has made it clear that Auburn is on the rise.

One of the biggest challenges Freeze faced was the question of whether Auburn could compete with the top-tier SEC teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. These teams have dominated the conference in recent years, but Freeze’s early success has shown that Auburn is capable of toppling giants. The victory over LSU on the road in Baton Rouge was proof of that.

For Auburn, the win wasn’t just another regular-season victory. It was the confirmation that they are a legitimate contender in the SEC, and their 7-0 record in SEC play so far only enhances that belief. While LSU has been one of the best programs in the SEC in recent seasons, the Tigers of Auburn showed no fear and proved that they belong at the top of the conference.

Auburn’s Resilience: The Game Plan

As the game kicked off in Tiger Stadium, the atmosphere was electric—an intimidating environment for any team to face. But Auburn came in with a game plan that showed their focus and determination. Freeze’s offensive system, which blends a balanced attack with elements of tempo and misdirection, caught LSU off guard early in the game.

Auburn’s offensive line played with a level of intensity and discipline that has been lacking in recent years. Against an LSU defense known for its aggressive pass rush and stout defensive front, Auburn’s offensive line kept the pocket clean for quarterback Holden Geriner, who delivered accurate throws under pressure. Geriner, who has been a breakout star this season, showed that he could handle the big stage. His ability to extend plays and make quick, decisive throws kept the LSU defense on its heels all night.

One of the most critical moments of the game came when Auburn’s running back, Jarquez Hunter, broke loose for a series of explosive runs. Hunter has been Auburn’s workhorse in the backfield, and his ability to churn out tough yards, break tackles, and accelerate through holes has been a cornerstone of the offense. In a game against an LSU defense that prides itself on stopping the run, Hunter’s physicality was crucial. His 145-yard performance and two touchdowns were a testament to his growth as one of the SEC’s top backs.

In Freeze’s offensive scheme, the ability to keep the defense guessing is paramount, and Auburn did just that. They mixed up tempo, utilized multiple formations, and constantly kept LSU on its toes. With the running game establishing a rhythm and Geriner’s sharp decision-making, Auburn’s offense showed it was capable of putting up points against one of the conference’s best defenses.

The Defense Steps Up: Marcus Harris Leads the Charge

While Auburn’s offense deserves plenty of credit for its performance, it was the defense that truly set the tone for the win over LSU. The defense was aggressive, physical, and relentless, led by senior defensive lineman Marcus Harris, who played one of the best games of his career.

Harris, a potential future NFL player, was everywhere in the LSU backfield. He disrupted LSU’s quarterback, making it difficult for them to get comfortable in the pocket. He was a force against the run, clogging running lanes and shutting down LSU’s ground game. Harris finished the game with two sacks, five tackles for loss, and countless quarterback pressures. His performance was the backbone of Auburn’s defensive success, and it set the tone for a dominant effort.

Auburn’s secondary, which had been under scrutiny throughout the season, also stepped up when it mattered most. The Tigers were able to limit LSU’s passing game, especially on third downs, when LSU could have been poised for a comeback. Auburn’s defensive backs played tight coverage, forcing LSU’s receivers to make difficult catches and keeping the pressure on LSU’s offense. The defensive unit’s ability to play physical football in a hostile environment proved that Auburn’s defense is one of the most underrated in the SEC.

Auburn’s defense, under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, has steadily improved all season. In a game like this, where LSU is known for having explosive offensive talent, Auburn’s defense showed it could match up physically and mentally. The ability to disrupt the game at every level—from the front four to the secondary—was crucial to keeping LSU off the scoreboard and maintaining the lead.

Key Moments: Turning Points in the Game

The game had several key moments that turned the tide in Auburn’s favor. One such moment came in the second quarter, when LSU was driving and appeared to have seized momentum. On a critical 3rd-and-6, Auburn’s defense stepped up with a huge stop. Marcus Harris, who was consistently in the backfield, pressured LSU’s quarterback into an off-target throw, which resulted in a punt. This moment was pivotal, as it allowed Auburn to maintain its narrow lead and prevent LSU from taking control of the game.

Auburn also executed well on special teams. A perfectly placed punt late in the third quarter pinned LSU deep in their own territory, forcing them to play with limited field position. This was critical, as it kept the LSU offense from building any momentum during the final stretch of the game.

Perhaps the defining moment of the game came in the fourth quarter when Auburn was up by just three points. With LSU threatening to score, Auburn’s defense made a stand inside the red zone, holding the Tigers to a field goal attempt that ultimately missed wide left. The stop was a true testament to Auburn’s resilience and the maturity of its players in crucial moments.

The Aftermath: What This Victory Means for Auburn

Auburn’s 7-0 record in SEC play is now a defining feature of the 2025 season. The win over LSU was more than just a victory; it was a statement that Auburn is not intimidated by any opponent, even in one of the toughest environments in college football. With LSU being a perennial powerhouse, beating them on their home turf is a monumental achievement for the Tigers.

This victory places Auburn in a prime position to compete for an SEC title. With several key games left in the season, including the rivalry matchup with Alabama, Auburn now has the confidence and momentum needed to finish strong. The win over LSU was also crucial for Auburn’s position in the College Football Playoff rankings, as the Tigers now have a signature win on their resume.

For Hugh Freeze, this victory is proof that his vision for Auburn football is beginning to take shape. After years of underachievement, Auburn has now emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC, and Freeze has positioned the Tigers as a legitimate threat to win the conference and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Looking Ahead: Can Auburn Maintain Its Momentum?

With a 7-0 record in SEC play, Auburn has proved it can compete with the best teams in the country. However, the road ahead remains challenging. Auburn will face even tougher tests in the coming weeks, including their rivalry matchup with Alabama, which always promises to be a hard-fought battle.

The real question now is whether Auburn can maintain its level of play and finish the season strong. The Tigers have shown that they can dominate in all phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—but they’ll need to keep their focus and continue improving to avoid slipping up against any of their remaining opponents.

For Auburn football, the 2025 season has already been a success, but they have their sights set on even greater goals. The road to an SEC Championship, and possibly a national title, is long, but with the win over LSU, Auburn has proven that they have what it takes to make it to the top.