When you least expect it, that’s when they strike.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron has to be on pins and needles this week in anticipation of Saturday’s game against Auburn, a matchup pitting Top 10 teams that has seemingly flown under the radar nationally in lieu of Tua Tagovailoa’s surgically-repaired ankle and the second-ranked Tigers’ upcoming game against No. 1 Alabama.

This is a scenario that sets up well for the underdog, who hasn’t won in Death Valley since 1999.

“Does Auburn have our attention? Heck yeah. Is this a great rivalry game in the SEC? Yes,” Orgeron said this week. “Whatever is down the road is going to wait down the road. But Florida was a big game, right? Mississippi State was a big game. The more you win, bigger they going to get. This is a big game in Baton Rouge. Means a lot to our football.

“I don’t think at all they’ll be looking past the open date, whatever, down the road.”

And then there’s Michigan. All the focus this week has been on Jim Harbaugh’s futility and career mark against Top 10 competition. When negativity is heaped on a team, they often respond with aggression next time out.

Notre Dame, Beware.

Where we stand after Week 8: Brad Crawford — Straight up: 64-17; Against the spread: 45-35; Chris Hummer — Straight up: 68-13; ATS: 39-41.

Onto this week’s picks for Week 9’s biggest games …