Saturday’s matchup between LSU and Kentucky holds different meaning for both teams — one is on the verge of reaching the mountain peak, while the other is playing for respect.
LSU (6-2, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) has had two weeks to recover from a 31-7 loss at Auburn and will remain in the driver’s seat for the SEC West title with a win in Lexington, Ky.
Kentucky (6-3, 2-3) is ineligible for a conference title and bowl game berth, but NCAA probation has not stopped the team from playing like the national championship is on the line.
LSU coach Nick Saban said the game is vital for the team to get back on track and the players must realize Kentucky is a balanced team that could beat LSU.
“I think every game at this point is a one-game season, and that’s the way I want our players to approach it,” Saban said. “Hopefully, our players will respond to it the right way and be ready to go.”
The Wildcats sport the SEC’s top-scoring offense, led by junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen, who has thrown for 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Wildcats will rely on a potent, balanced attack to compete with LSU’s No. 1-ranked defense.
Saban said Lorenzen’s mobility also could pose problems for his team and that he has improved from the last two times he played LSU.
“The biggest thing now is his ability to take advantage of the defense,” Saban said. “He throws the fade really well if you play any kind of bump and run.”
Running back Artose Pinner leads the SEC in rushing with 996 yards and is a viable receiving threat with 31 catches on the year. His rushing ability could free up the passing game for the Wildcats.
Lorenzen’s favorite targets this year have been Aaron Boone (13 catches, 521 yards, seven touchdowns) and Derek Abney (29 catches, 456 yards).
Abney also has great punt return skills and could match up with Domanick Davis in the special teams department. Abney’s four returns for touchdowns and 18.8 yards-per-return average leads the SEC, and he ranks second in all-purpose yards behind Davis.
LSU’s Marcus Randall will make his third start of the season at quarterback. The junior hopes to bounce back from his four-interception, no-touchdown performance against Auburn and is not taking the Kentucky team lightly.
“After watching them play, I know they have nothing to lose,” Randall said. “We still have to prepare for them like we prepare for each other team.”
LSU’s offensive game plan will be to run against Kentucky, which ranks last in the SEC in rush defense and 11th in total defense.
Defensive end Marcus Spears will be back in the lineup after recovering from a high ankle sprain. With Spears on the prowl, the defense will try to put added pressure on Lorenzen.
“He’s real tough to bring down. If you watch past films, he’s thrown the ball at least 30 or 40 yards with guys hanging off him,” Spears said. “When we get back there we just have to hit him.”
LSU edged UK last year in Lexington 29-25 on a last-second touchdown catch by Michael Clayton. With LSU’s receivers struggling this year, the game could be a chance for the passing game to break out under Randall.
“The ultimate goal is to win the ball game, and we have a great record right now,” Clayton said. “We still have the chance to win in the SEC, so everything is going as planned.”