LSU vs. Auburn Football 2018: Early Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For Saturday's SEC Showdown

In the most important SEC matchup of the young 2018 season, No. 7 Auburn (2-0) hosts No. 12 LSU (2-0) Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.

Both SEC West schools already have big wins under their belts.

LSU began the season by thumping the then-No.8 Miami Hurricanes, 33-17, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Nick Brossette rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns to lead LSU. The outcome was barely in doubt, as LSU led 33-3 after three quarters.

Ed Orgeron's squad had entered the season ranked No. 25, but climbed to No. 11 after the victory over Miami. LSU dropped to No. 12 despite a 31-0 win over SE Louisiana.

Auburn earned an even bigger season-opener win, rallying to defeat then-No. 6 Washington, 21-16, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Gus Malzahn relied on an effective pass rush to slow the Huskies' offense.

On Saturday, Auburn had little trouble at home against heavy underdog Alabama State, 63-9.

Auburn and LSU have played some tight battles the past two seasons. Last year in Baton Rouge, LSU overcame a 20-point deficit to shock then-No. 10 Auburn, 27-23. It was LSU's defense that came up big in the second half, shutting out Auburn and allowing just 64 yards.

In 2016, the last time the two schools met at Jordan-Hare, Auburn needed six field goals to hold off LSU, 18-13.

The past two meetings were in sharp contrast to their previous two matchups. Auburn crushed LSU in 2014, 41-7, but LSU got their revenge at home in 2015, 45-21.

Both offenses are expected to rely heavily on the run game on Saturday. In two games, Auburn has thrown the ball a total of 34 times, compared to 104 carries. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has thrown a total of 21 passes, but the offense has run the ball 76 times.

Auburn and LSU once again boast strong defenses led by elite linebackers. Senior linebacker Deshaun Davis is a top performer for Auburn, while LSU has a big leader in Devin White.

Expect bigger plays on defense than offense in Saturday's showdown. According to oddsmakers, the over/under is 45 points.

Betting Odds: Auburn favored by 10 points

Prediction: Auburn over LSU, 21-17