LSU Tigers Back In Top 15 After Big Road Win Over Auburn, Now Get To Rest

The LSU Tigers have cruised to victory in the past two weekends while the rest of the college football world burns down, and they continue to rise up the rankings once again because of it.

After taking down the Auburn Tigers 38-17 on Saturday, the Bayou Bengals moved up three spots in the latest AP Poll to No. 15. They jumped over the Tennessee Volunteers, but are still the sixth-highest ranked team in the SEC, given that the Texas Longhorns had a bigger jump from beating the Ole Miss Rebels.

Their next three games for the Tigers are all against teams ranked around the same spot as them. The No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide are their highest-ranked remaining opponent, but the Longhorns are at No. 11 and the Volunteers are at No. 16.

More importantly for this team, though, is that they finally have a bye week to completely reset things before that tough stretch begins. The response after their loss to the Kentucky Wildcats has been perfect. They got a break against the Mississippi State Bulldogs and then handled Auburn with ease. Both have been easy wins that haven't come with any major losses. Now they can rest completely.

Sam Leavitt has reportedly been dealing with some hamstring issues. It can be seen at times when he is running, some discomfort, at least, but it hasn't hampered him too badly. He was able to pick up 54 yards on eight rushes and a touchdown against Auburn. He also went 32-for-45 with 387 yards and three more scores through the air.

This is the best-case scenario for Leavitt. Being able to make plays with his legs, but not having to rely on it. Him having the confidence to sit in the pocket and deliver the ball while also having rushing production is something that haven't really seen until now. If he can be even more effective after a bye, this offense could reach new heights.

Potentially the biggest health watch of the week, though, is that of linebacker Whit Weeks. He has been out since he was injured against the Texas A&M Aggies, but the game against the Crimson Tide has been circled as a potential return date for him. That was the goal for Trey'Dez Green as well, but he was able to come back quicker.

The linebackers have been solid without Weeks, but having their No. 7 recipient and leader of the defense back for this crucial stretch of games would make an already talented unit even better.

At the very least, the Tigers don't have to worry about falling victim to the chaos this week as they just get to sit back and watch the rest of the games unfold.