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What may look like the beginning of a two-week break for LSU before a finishing stretch of four straight SEC West games could get a little uncomfortable if the Tigers aren’t ready to play.
Western Kentucky (6-1) beat Vanderbilt in its opener and has won each of its last four games by at least 27 points. The Hilltoppers, who rank No. 6 in the nation in scoring at 44 points per game, have some dangerous playmakers who can put points on the scoreboard.
The No. 5 Tigers would prefer to put the game out of reach early and give Leonard Fournette a light night going into a bye week. Western Kentucky’s offense might keep it close early, but LSU’s superior depth should eventually wear down the Hilltoppers.
Here’s five players to watch:
- Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty — The senior, the reigning Conference USA player of the year, led FBS schools in passing last season with 4,830 yards and has thrown for 2,709 yards and 24 TDs already this season with only four interceptions. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he’s big enough to take some punishment. If he gets untracked early, the Tigers won’t have an easy night.
- LSU RB Leonard Fournette — The leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, Fournette tore through a tough Florida defense for 180 yards last week. With 1,202 yards and 14 TDs, he’s averaging 8.0 yards per carry. Though the Tigers want to give him a chance to add to his stats, they’d like to get him some rest and avoid any unnecessary injury risk.
- LSU CB Tre’Davious White — The Tigers’ top cornerback may be tested against Doughty and a solid receiving corps led by Taywan Taylor. White hasn’t had an interception yet this season. But he should have a few chances against the pass-oriented Hilltoppers.
- LSU DE Lewis Neal — The 6-2, 264-pound junior is on a roll. He had three sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and 10 total tackles against Florida. With seven sacks on the season, the first-year starter has emerged as the Tigers’ top pass rusher.
- Western Kentucky WR Taywan Taylor — The 6-1 junior is the Hilltoppers’ big-play weapon with 825 yards in receptions and 10 TDs an a whopping 18.3-yards average per catch. He’s the top option for Doughty.
