Brian Kelly’s first big LSU statement could be writing Bryan Harsin’s Auburn eulogy

A road win will be huge for Brian Kelly’s LSU football family, while a second home loss will signify the beginning of the end for Bryan Harsin at Auburn.

This year’s Tiger Bowl will be all about the Life of Brian/Bryan.

While there is no Holy Grail to be had in the SEC West rivalry series this season, this game down on The Plains between LSU and Auburn carries massive implications for both middling programs. Given that this is Brian Kelly’s first year in Baton Rouge, a win would be a huge stepping stone for LSU. Assuming Bryan Harsin wants to get a third year at Auburn, his Tigers have to win this game.

Look for Kelly to try to make a statement, while Harsin will fight to stay alive for another Saturday.

An LSU win for Brian Kelly means it will be over soon for Bryan Harsin at Auburn

Since losing a heartbreaker to Florida State on the last play of game during Labor Day Weekend, Kelly’s Bayou Bengals have rattled off three wins in a row, including his first SEC victory at the helm over Mississippi State two weeks ago. Unfortunately for the Tigers, there are not a lot of wins to be had in their final eight games. This team should go bowling, but might not win eight…

If LSU improves to 4-1 with a win over Auburn at Jordan-Hare, it is essentially a guarantee the Tigers will get to at least six wins in Kelly’s first year. A win in the UAB game in mid-November and one more SEC victory will do the trick. Unfortunately, every other game outside of the UAB date is either on the road or vs. a ranked opponent. Kelly has an outside of getting LSU to about 8-4 or so.

As for Auburn, they have to win three SEC games to achieve bowl eligibility now. Keep in mind they got blown out at home two weeks ago to Penn State. While the Nittany Lions have a strong team this year, Auburn needs to do a better job of protecting its house. The Tigers needed overtime to beat mediocre Missouri at home. If Auburn loses at home to LSU, the Tigers’ bowl odds are bleak.

This is because LSU is arguably the Tigers’ second easiest SEC game this season behind only the Mizzou game. If Auburn beats LSU, Mississippi and Western Kentucky, the Tigers will be 6-6 once again. Even if that mark would keep most coaches in place given the tough situation, this is Auburn. Harsin may need to go 8-4 to have a chance at sticking around for a third year in the SEC.

To be frank, all the pressure is on Harsin and Auburn to win on Saturday night. If they fall at home, they may not get another SEC win on the year. 4-8, or god forbid 3-9, does not bode well for the incoming athletic director who has to replace Allen Greene at Auburn. There are plenty of reasons why so many people picked the Tigers to finish last in the SEC West. They may be right about this.

Ultimately, Kelly is the way better coach with a slightly more talented roster. If this game were at home, more pressure would be on his team to win the Tiger Bowl. However, Kelly is not used to winning rivalry games on the road in the SEC just yet. It will take a period of adjustment for him to figure it all out. Thankfully, the man has won everywhere he has been. He will get this thing right.

Not to say it will be a nail in the coffin, but a home loss to LSU means Harsin is out after year two.

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