re: To me, the most intriguing West battle is Auburn and LSU.

lsu's defense should be as good, if not better than last season. lsu's offense has a chance to be better, if not significantly better than last season. i have total confidence in aranda to slow down auburn's offense (it's unreasonable to expect a defense to fully shut it down).

if you watch the last few games of the season, etling is underrated a bit. the guy can get it done. people are just hitching him to miles' horse.

also, o can get it done. he's done it twice now, usc and lsu.

i have no doubt auburn will be an improved team but, i think lsu was better after miles left and the tigers should be even better now that there has been an upgrade to the offense.