LSU football vs. Western Kentucky: Predictions for Week 13 SEC game

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LSU football returns to action for Game 11 of the 2025 schedule as the Tigers face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. LSU got back in the win column last week, defeating Arkansas 23-22 in Tiger Stadium. It was Frank Wilson’s first win as LSU’s interim head coach. Wilson took over after Brian Kelly was fired last month.

It’s senior night in Death Valley, marking the final game in Tiger Stadium for a collection of Tigers. One of the players set to be honored is quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. However, Nussmeier won’t be in pads and was ruled out for a second-straight game.

With Nussmeier sidelined, Michael Van Buren will continue to run the offense. Van Buren performed admirably in LSU’s win over Arkansas. The LSU run game made strides with Harlem Berry, Caden Durham, and Van Buren all contributing.

LSU is 2-0 vs. Western Kentucky, but don’t sleep on this Hilltoppers team. Tyson Helton’s group enters at 8-1 on the year and 6-1 in conference play.

Here are our staff’s predictions for tonight’s game.

Jay: LSU 28, WKU 20

LSU’s matchup against the Hilltoppers is an interesting one. The Tigers haven’t scored more than 25 points against an FBS opponent all season, including Western Kentucky’s conference peers, Louisiana Tech. The Hilltoppers’ defense isn’t an SEC-caliber unit by any means, but given that the Tigers have struggled to move the ball against every defense not named Southeastern Louisiana, it’s hard to expect more from the offense this late into the year. However, Michael Van Buren’s second game as the Tigers’ starter might spark some life from that side of the ball.

On the other hand, LSU’s defense remains one of the best units in the country. However, their performance against Vanderbilt and Texas A&M’s dynamic rushing offenses — led by dual-threat quarterbacks — are cause for concern, as the Hilltoppers’ new quarterback, Rodney Tisdale Jr., poses a real threat with his legs. In three games with him under center, the Hilltoppers have averaged 35 points per game, including a 28-point performance against Louisiana Tech — against whom the Tigers only scored 23 points in Week 2.

Despite all of this, today should make for a comfortable win for LSU.

Will: LSU 38, WKU 14

LSU has a chance to clinch a winning record with a win on Saturday. After getting back in the win column, I think LSU keeps it rolling on Saturday.

Western Kentucky is a good football team, but LSU has too much talent. LSU QB Michael Van Buren builds on last week’s outing and tosses a few touchdowns. Harlem Berry continues to emerge and LSU’s offense plays its cleanest game of the year.

Alexis: LSU 35, Western Kentucky 7

Frank Wilson had the team fired up to play vs. Arkansas last week and LSU will have another emotional response on senior night in Tiger Stadium. Garrett Nussmeier is out again but LSU could be boosted by the return of Whit Weeks on defense. LSU picks up win No. 7 at home.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football vs. Western Kentucky: Predictions for Week 13 SEC game

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