LSU football vs Western Kentucky: Five WKU players to know

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LSU Football is set to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday night, marking the Tigers’ final nonconference matchup of the regular season. This is a crucial momentum-building game for LSU, as its game against Oklahoma next week will require top-tier play from both sides of the ball for the Tigers to secure a win. Western Kentucky is a dangerous team, however, with an explosive offense that could give the Tigers fits if they aren’t focused.

LSU became bowl eligible last week, but a win on Saturday would clinch a winning record for the Tigers.

Here are five Western Kentucky players who could give the Tigers trouble on Saturday night.

Rodney Tisdale Jr. — Quarterback

Tisdale wasn’t the Hilltoppers’ starter to begin the season, but he’s started the team’s last three games due to an injury to the team’s regular starter, Maverick McIvor.

The Hilltoppers have won all three games with Tisdale under center, scoring 28, 35, and 42 points. To offer some context to LSU fans, Tisdale led the Hilltoppers to a 28-point performance against Louisiana Tech in Week 8 — five more than the Tigers managed to score against Tech back in Week 2.

What makes him such a concerning threat for LSU is the defense’s struggles against dual-threat quarterbacks. This flaw could rear its head again if they can’t keep Tisdale contained.

Jaylen Lewis – Safety

Lewis has had an excellent season for the Hilltoppers, operating as a kind of skeleton key for their defense. He ranks second on the team in tackles (39), first in interceptions (2), and tied for second in pass breakups (3), per PFF.

His top-notch performance scales to the competition, as well. His PFF defense grade of 81.8 is the third-best mark among Group of Six safeties this season (min. 250 snaps).

Don’t be surprised to hear Lewis’ name called early and often on the broadcast Saturday night.

K.D. Hutchinson – Wide Receiver

Considering how well LSU’s cornerbacks have played this season, it’s typically hard to consider opposing receivers a real threat. Hutchinson bucks that trend, however. He’s the Hilltoppers’ primary slot receiver, the receiving role that the Tigers have struggled to contain all year.

Hutchinson himself is a talent, with speed that makes for a real threat even against the Tigers’ defense. If they let him get loose, it could be a real problem.

Harper Holloman – Edge Rusher

Holloman has been one of the more dangerous edge rushers in the Group of Six this season. His raw sack numbers aren’t impressive, but his 39 pressures on the year rank eighth in the Group of Six and 15th in all of FBS football.

Holloman can get picked on in the run game, but he has a favorable matchup against LSU’s struggling tackle trio of Weston Davis, Ory Williams, and Carius Curne.

Marvis Parrish — Running Back

Parrish, a true freshman, has come on strong for the Hilltoppers in his first season, ranking first on the team in rushing yards, yards per attempt, yards after contact, and missed tackles forced, per PFF.

He’s been great as a pass-catcher as well, with 31 catches for 188 yards on the year. The Tigers have done a solid job stopping opposing rushers this season, but they’ll need to continue that trend to keep Parrish from doing damage.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football vs. Western Kentucky: 5 players can challenge TIgers

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