A top-five program could be on upset alert on Saturday against one of best mid-major programs in the country. Fifth-ranked LSU (6-0, 4-0 in the SEC) welcomes Western Kentucky (6-1, 4-0 in Conference USA) to Baton Rouge.
How to watch Western Kentucky vs. LSU on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
One of the nation’s top mid-majors heads to Death Valley to take on undefeated LSU.
The Hilltoppers haven’t cracked either major poll yet, but they sit at 21st overall in S&P+ at the moment. They average 44 points per game and have gone over 50 three times this season, led by star quarterback Brandon Doughty. WKU has the nation’s third-most efficient and fifth-most explosive offense, averaging 407 passing yards per game. Doughty ranks second in the nation in passer rating, and his 24 touchdown passes are third behind Baylor’s Seth Russell and TCU’s Trevone Boykin.
As for LSU, things seem to be coming together for the Tigers after holding off top-10 Florida. Quarterback Brandon Harris has stepped up his game with back-to-back strong performances, and Leonard Fournette is playing so well that announcers are calling 180-yard performances "held in check." On defense, the Tigers' secondary might have an interesting matchup with the Hilltoppers, but they are ratcheting up the pressure after sacking Florida's Treon Harris five times last week.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU
Radio: LSU, Western Kentucky
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: LSU is favored by 17 points.
Make friends: Underdog Dynasty is the place for Western Kentucky fans to chat about the game, and And the Valley Shook has all the info LSU fans need.
Three big things to know
1. Lewis Neal
LSU’s junior defensive end is a high-energy pass rusher whose 3-sack performance against Florida vaulted him into second in the SEC behind Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett. Neal is short, stocky and relentless, and he should have plenty of opportunities against WKU and Doughty.
2. Third-quarter woes
The Tigers pass defense is pretty salty at 19th overall in S&P+, but when you break it down by quarters:
| Offense | Defense | |||
| Avg. | Rk | Avg. | Rk | |
| Q1 S&P+ | 133.4 | 14 | 182.8 | 3 |
| Q2 S&P+ | 107.4 | 61 | 141.0 | 10 |
| Q3 S&P+ | 136.5 | 12 | 89.0 | 105 |
| Q4 S&P+ | 127.4 | 12 | 107.6 | 51 |
That’s a pretty big dip in the second half. If this one is close after the break, the Hilltoppers may have an opportunity to make this a game.
3. Leonard Fournette
Have you watched Leonard Fournette play? Why haven’t you watched Leonard Fournette play? You should definitely watch Leonard Fournette play.
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