Week 8 is a weird one in college football, as there are only two ranked matchups this week. The LSU Tigers versus the Auburn Tigers should be the third one, but it won’t be, as the AP Poll didn’t rank the latter in the top-25.

It’s a fascinating matchup for multiple reasons, as both teams have two losses in the SEC and a third could knock them out of the playoff hunt. Being that it’s an 11 AM kickoff, it will jump start the weekend. Our experts picked one of the more intriguing games, and came to a fascinating split.

Auburn 31, LSU 27

This is a fascinating matchup on multiple levels, and not just because it’s the Tigers vs. Tigers.

Where my intrigue lies is with Lane Kiffin’s team. The only two “quality” opponents LSU have faced beat them, both of which were on the road: Ole Miss and Texas A&M. This game is also on the road, against an Auburn team who is riding high off a win against Georgia. This Auburn team isn’t just riding high; they have the juice, and it starts from head coach Alex Golesh. I think that momentum is enough for Auburn to get a second-consecutive upset victory, and keep their playoff hopes alive.

– Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida

LSU 30, Auburn 24

What a fun game last weekend for Auburn fans, as the Tigers pulled off the biggest win in all of college football with a 27-24 walk off win over No. 1 Georgia in Athens. It’s a signature win for Alex Golesh in his first year, one he can hang his hat on to prove tangible progress to boosters, fans, and recruits.

That being said, the SEC is more of a week-to-week league than it ever has been, and the challenge continues across a brutal four-game stretch of ranked teams with a visit from LSU. Lane Kiffin’s team has been poor away from home this year, so I can certainly see Auburn pulling this one off at home. But Princewill Umanmielen (eight sacks on the season) gives the Tigers a multi-sack performance and helps force a crucial mistake, and LSU’s balanced offense (four pass catchers with 222+ yards) gives Auburn’s defense a headache in a barnburner on the plains.

– Craig Smith, A to Z Miami

LSU 28, Auburn 19

LSU heads to Auburn and comes away with a hard-fought 28-19 victory, using its talent on both sides of the ball to win a physical SEC matchup. Sam Leavitt gives the Tigers the edge at quarterback, using his arm strength and mobility to keep Auburn’s defense guessing. Running back Dilin Jones helps LSU stay balanced offensively, while tight end Trey’Dez Green provides a dangerous target in the passing game. The Tigers won’t have an easy time against an Auburn team led by dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown, but LSU has enough playmakers to generate points when it matters. Expect Lane Kiffin’s offense to find its rhythm as the game progresses and build a lead that puts pressure on the Tigers’ opponent.

Auburn has the offensive talent to make this competitive, with Brown’s ability to extend plays and create yards on the ground presenting a real challenge for LSU’s defense. However, the Tigers should have enough defensive firepower to make a few key stops, with edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen capable of disrupting Brown and cornerback DJ Pickett bringing playmaking ability to the secondary. LSU’s ability to pressure the quarterback and limit Auburn’s explosive plays will be the difference late. Brown keeps the Tigers within striking distance, but Leavitt and the LSU offense do enough to answer when they need to, allowing LSU to pull away in the fourth quarter and secure a 28-19 win.

– Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame

LSU 28, Auburn 17

A week ago, LSU was saying let’s just get to Auburn, take care of business, and gear up for Alabama on the other side of the bye. Then, the Tigers went between the hedges and took down the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. It was the best Auburn has looked all year under new HC Alex Golesh, and despite being up and down for much of the season, Byrum Brown made some key plays.

So who comes out on top in the battle of the Tigers? I have to go with LSU. They have been beaten up in Baton Rouge, and while this game may have been viewed as a trap game last week, I expect Auburn to have the full and undivided attention of Lane Kiffin and Co. While the quarterback situation hasn’t been great for LSU, I expect Sam Leavitt to make enough plays to get the job done, even at Jordan-Hare.

– Rob Gregson, A to Z Alabama

LSU 34, Auburn 28

This is a sneaky good game in SEC play thanks to the win Auburn got over Georgia last week. LSU can’t afford another loss if they want to make the College Football Playoff in Lane Kiffin’s first season, and the Tigers are here trying to play spoiler. Auburn still has games left against Ole Miss and Alabama, so I have a tough time seeing them as a real CFP threat. But another win against a top SEC team would have folks talking.

Getting this game at home is a win for Auburn and LSU on the other hand can’t allow what happened against Kentucky to repeat. LSU doesn’t have a road win yet this season, and I think they pick up one here. Sam Leavitt was very good against Mississippi State last week, and I think he can do the same against this Auburn defense. I’ll take LSU on the road, in a close one, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Auburn stole another one.

– Brandon Little, A to Z Ohio State

Final Prediction for LSU vs. Auburn

Our staff is nearly unanimous in predicting LSU to win, but everyone has the game close does make a lot of sense. This game could be a very fun one for multiple reasons, especially with how the quarterbacks are both dual-threats.