KSR's Kentucky vs. LSU Predictions, Presented by UKFCU

KSR’s Kentucky LSU predictions are brought to you by our good friends at UKFCU. The University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union has been a proud partner of the Big Blue Nation for over 80 years! As a locally owned business, we are a proud supporter of the University of Kentucky Wildcats and all its fans. Whether you are a UK employee, student or fan, there’s a place for you at UKFCU!* We are a full-service financial institution offering a wide array of products from checking and savings accounts, to credit cards and mortgages. And with your accounts you have access to mobile & online banking, Apple Pay and Google Pay, card controls and over 65,000 fee-free ATMs. All while typically offering better interest rates on deposits and loans, and having fewer fees on your accounts.

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Tyler Thompson

Before we get into Kentucky vs. LSU, let’s pause for a moment so Jack Pilgrim and I can take our victory laps for being the only KSR writers to call the win over Florida.

Moving on. Like the Cats, I am undefeated this season, with a perfect 5-0 record in predictions; however, back in the preseason, I picked Kentucky to lose to LSU, the proverbial letdown after such a huge high. But, if there’s anything this team has shown us so far, it’s that it can win ugly. Seeing the Cats grind out games gives me faith they will avoid the hangover and improve to 6-0.

The mentality is there. So are the matchups. LSU’s defense is allowing 367 yards per game, which ranks 11th in the SEC. Kentucky’s got the league’s best running back and wide receiver in Chris Rodriguez and Wan’Dale Robinson. Josh Ali may be out but LSU’s secondary is dinged up too. I expect the Cats to run, run, run, with Robinson getting at least one big play on the edge to keep the Tigers honest.

On the other side, LSU can’t run, averaging 70.6 rushing yards per game; only Mississippi State is worse in the SEC. Kentucky is holding opponents to 104.2 rushing yards per game. If the Tigers are going to beat the Cats, it’s happening through the air. Containing Kayshon Boutte will be the secondary’s biggest challenge yet.

To me, this game boils down to who wants it more. Does LSU rally to save Coach O’s job? Or does Kentucky’s hunger to improve keep the dream season alive? You know me; I’m going with the latter.

Prediction: Kentucky 24 LSU 20

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Nick Roush

While Tyler takes her victory lap, allow me to say “You’re welcome.” Yes, I put the fade on Florida by picking the Gators. Kentucky could not have done it without me. Luckily, this week the Wildcats don’t need the Roush Fade.

Yes, LSU has lots of talent. NFL players can help you win games, but they alone do not get it done. Right now, Kentucky is a complete team. You cannot say the same about an LSU team that just blew a double-digit lead at home to Auburn. Kentucky has faced adversity, took it to the chin, then swung back with haymakers. They’ll provide enough Saturday night to make LSU’s season unravel.

Prediction: Kentucky 20, LSU 10

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Drew Franklin

A dream we never imagined possible, Kentucky will beat LSU once again in Lexington to move to 6-0 on the season and into the top 10 next week. This is the world we live in now, Big Blue Nation. A basketball school, no more.

As for how the Cats get it done, Wan’Dale Robinson will be featured early and often against a banged up LSU secondary ripe for big plays. Chris Rodriguez will get his too as Kentucky handles its business and defends Kroger Field for another week.

Kentucky wins, 24-20. Good to see you, LSU fans.

Prediction: Kentucky 24, LSU 20

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Adam Luckett

Ranked Kentucky hosts unranked LSU on Saturday night. The Wildcats are a small home favorite. Mark Stoops and Kentucky have been the talk of college football while Ed Orgeron’s seat is warming up fast in Baton Rouge. A 4-8 record is on the table for the Bayou Bengals.

What a time to be alive.

Getting into the matchup, it sets up well for the home team. LSU has had major issues running the football and lives and dies with big plays in the passing game. Kentucky’s defense stops the run and does not give up big plays in the passing game. LSU’s defense has labored to stop the run against Power Five competition and Kentucky is one of the best rushing offenses in the SEC.

Those factors will play a major factor in the final outcome. Kentucky is the better team and the Wildcats find themselves in a very good matchup. Kentucky gets off to a fast start, maintains total game control due to its rushing attack, wins the turnover battle for the first time, and finally gets a double-digit win.

Kroger Field will be bonkers in the fourth quarter as Big Blue Nation celebrates another big win.

Prediction: Kentucky 28, LSU 16

Jack Pilgrim

Where LSU struggles, Kentucky thrives, as the Tigers have not been able to stop the run all season long and can’t run themselves. Meanwhile, Chris Rodriguez leads the SEC in rushing with 621 yards through five games and Kentucky sits in the top 25 nationally and No. 4 in the SEC in rushing yards allowed per game (104.0).

LSU capitalizes on home run plays, while UK has held firm in those opportunities with a bend-don’t-break mindset. Meanwhile, the Tigers are missing superstar cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and starting safety Major Burns, presenting a massive opportunity for Will Levis to connect with Wan’Dale Robinson on a few home run opportunities of their own.

Kentucky’s win over Florida was historic — it was the program’s first home win over the Gators in 35 years — but the Wildcats are focused and ready to move on and make more history this week.

UK hasn’t opened the year 6-0 since 1950 when Bear Bryant was the head coach in Lexington. That changes Saturday evening.

Prediction: Kentucky 28, LSU 24

Zack Geoghegan

After picking against the ‘Cats the last two weeks, I’ve finally come to my senses. Kentucky will beat LSU on Saturday and I’m predicting a double-digit win. Barring another ball security mishap such as the one in Columbia a couple of weeks ago, Kentucky should be able to set Ed Orgeron’s seat on fire.

The idea of starting the season 6-0 for the first time since 1950, is becoming burned into my brain-the same goes for my colleagues, as well. If Chris Rodriguez Jr. can break the 100-yard threshold and Will Levis makes just a handful of plays, the points will come against a bad LSU run defense.

Let’s get the party started.

Prediction: Kentucky 28, LSU 17