For a moment Saturday afternoon it looked as if Auburn had been cast as the victim in a sequel of last week’s Louisiana-Monroe victory over the SEC’s Arkansas Razorback.  Just as they had done a week before, the Warhawks fell behind only to come storming back to tie the game and take a heavy favorite from football’s toughest division into overtime.  The Tigers were able to rewrite the script, however, and came out with a much- needed victory.

     Louisiana-Monroe got the ball first in the extra period, but was unable to get the ball into the end zone.  Auburn defensive tackle Angelo Blackson blocked the ensuing field goal attempt setting the Tigers up for the victory.  When asked after the game how much of his hand he was able to get on the ball, Blackson answered, “Just a fingertip.  Just enough.”

     It was enough for Auburn to avoid its first 0-3 start since the 1950 season.  The Tigers took over possession and gained ten yards on first down.  On second down they took a three yard loss to get kicker Cody Parkey set up in the middle of the field.  Gene Chizik had absolute confidence that his kicker would take over matters from there.

     “He’s been perfect in practice.  He’s been perfect in the games,” Chizik said.  “We feel very comfortable putting him in with the game on the line with our special teams and winning it.

     Parkey did just that, converting on a 35-yard field goal attempt to seal the victory.

     Auburn held a 28-14 lead midway through the fourth quarter before ULM quarterback Kolton Browning lead the Warhawks to two fourth quarter scores to tie the game just as he had done the week before against the Razorbacks.

     Auburn quarterback Kiehl Frazier showed improvement from the previous week, completing 10 of 18 passes on the day.  Frazier did have a shaky second half of play, however, completing just 1 of 6 passes and throwing an interception to set the Warhawks up for a touchdown which cut the score to 28-21.

     “I thought I took a step in the right direction,” Frazier said.  I made a lot of mistakes I need to get fixed, but I feel like I’m getting better”.

     Frazier was able to give his team momentum going into halftime by making a spectacular Hail Mary pass after scrambling to avoid the Warhawk rush.  The touchdown pass was caught by receiver Sammie Coates as the firs half expired, giving the Tigers a 21-14 halftime lead.

     In the second half, though, the play calling grew more conservative and Frazier showed that he still has strides to make if the Tigers are going to have success against tougher competition.

     The improvement will need to happen quickly, as the LSU Tigers are scheduled to visit Jordan-Hare on Saturday night.

     LSU easily defeated the Idaho Vandals by a score of 63-14 Saturday night to improve its season record to 3-0.  Les Miles’ Tigers are ranked second in the nation and Auburn must play improved and inspired football to have any chance of victory.

     LSU has been untested against three non-conference opponents, easily defeating them by a combined score of 145-31.  Auburn will attempt to use the experience it has gained in three hard fought games to keep the game close and give themselves a chance for the upset.

     For LSU, the blueprint will be the same as always with Les Miles at the helm.  The Tigers will attempt to control the line of scrimmage with their physical offensive and defensive lines.  On offense, they’ll use a number of talented backs and test Auburn’s often suspect tackling ability.  Defensively, they will make every effort to stop the running game and force Frazier into making mistakes in obvious passing situations.

     For Auburn to have a chance, they’ll have to do the same to Zach Mettenberger who will be making his first start against an SEC opponent.  Mettenberger is a large, mobile quarterback and big things are expected of him at LSU.  Until he faces the test a conference opponent will provide in a hostile environment, however, the jury is out.

     Auburn will have to play a near perfect game Saturday night to come away with the victory.  Actually, they’ll have to perform at a higher level than they appear capable of and do it against one of the best teams in the country.