It seems like LSU football never gets an easy week.
While Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky isn’t quite “The Game of the Century,” the Tigers’ defense will have its hands full with another competent running back.
Hilltoppers senior Bobby Rainey ranks third in the country in total rushing with 1,169 yards and will look to continue his impressive 2011 campaign against LSU.
As early as Monday, the LSU defense was preparing for the challenge Rainey presents.
“I saw him on film,” said sophomore defensive lineman Sam Montgomery. “He’s quick, a very powerful back.”
Rainey has dominated the Sun Belt this year, where he leads the conference with 12 touchdowns and 163 all-purpose yards per game.
The 2011 preseason All-American’s strong play has led the Hilltoppers to five straight wins for the first time since Western Kentucky joined the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2009. The last time the Hilltoppers won five straight games was in 2004.
Rainey said he prepares for LSU the same way he would prepare for any other opponent.
“We’ve just got to continue to do our job and do the things we know how to do,” he said. “We’ve played against SEC teams before, and we didn’t change anything we did practice-wise.”
Running the ball isn’t Rainey’s lone skill. He is one of only seven FBS players with a rushing, receiving and passing touchdown this season.
“He’s extremely shifty and a very capable back,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “Those kind of players have places in every team, and he’s a pretty talented guy.”
Rainey, who is second for the Hilltoppers in receptions with 30 and receiving yards with 298, said his multi-dimensional skills will give him an advantage against the Tigers.
“Going against a great team like LSU, we want to make them respect the run and respect me as a player,” he said. “I also can run and pass, so they have to play this game like they have to play any other game in that conference.”
In Western Kentucky’s only other game against an SEC opponent this season, the Hilltoppers fell, 14-3, to Kentucky. During that game, Rainey still managed 107 rushing yards and two receptions.
Rainey has excelled against Louisiana schools so far this year, leading the Hilltoppers in rushing and receptions against the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He also rushed for 214 yards against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Rainey said he’s looking forward to playing in the Death Valley environment and won’t be intimidated by the crowd.
“I love playing against SEC teams,” he said. “The atmosphere is great, and I just love being around it.”
Montgomery made it clear the Tigers weren’t overlooking Rainey or Western Kentucky.
“It doesn’t matter what school you go to,” he said. “Every team has a great skill set of ballers and talented players. This isn’t one of those teams you can just slip by.”
Last week, Rainey played his sixth -straight game with more than 150 yards from scrimmage.
Rainey’s strong play has found him a spot on the Maxwell, Doak Walker and Paul Hornung awards watch lists.
The Maxwell Award is given to the top college football player in the nation each year, while the Doak Walker Award is earned by the top running back and the Paul Hornung Award is given to the most talented dual-threat player.
 
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Contact Albert Burford at [email protected]