Strong LSU Tigers Defense Shuts Down Western Kentucky in 13–10 Senior Night Win

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The LSU Tigers survived a crazy last-minute scare from the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday as they won 13-10 on senior night. It was another night of the defense carrying the load as a woeful Tigers offense limped across the finish line.

Harlem Berry fumbled the ball as LSU tried to run the clock out and Hilltoppers defensive back Dylan Flowers scooped it and ran it back 71 yards to bring the game within a field goal. Western Kentucky failed to convert the onside kick and the Tigers avoided disaster.

If the Hilltoppers' offense had a little bit more life to it, this could have been a disastrous loss for LSU. Western Kentucky actually led the game for most of the first half, with the Tigers' first points coming on a Trey'Dez Green touchdown catch with 1:32 left in the second quarter.

LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. should get a little bit of a pass for his inconsistent play, seeing as though he took over the offense so late into the season. Still, it's not a full excuse after scoring just a single touchdown against the Hilltoppers.

Van Buren was 25-of-42 for 202 yards with a touchdown and an interception. This offense's inability to generate big plays through the air this year is a large reason that Brian Kelly got fired.

Whoever the next head coach is will have a lot to clean up, but there is enough talent on the team to get past it. Players like Berry and Green will be even more fun to watch in a well-run offense.

Berry had a nice night outside of that fumble, finishing with 18 carries for 80 yards (both career highs).

There's not much more to say about this defense that hasn't already been said this year. Blake Baker has done an incredible job with this unit. The defensive backs had another strong night with two interceptions, one for DJ Pickett and one for PJ Woodland, and six passes broken up.

The Tigers totaled five sacks on the night, Jimari Butler led the way with two. Pickett had a crucial third-down sack, adding to his strong night as a starter with Mansoor Delane dealing with an injury.

There was a cool moment for senior night where the three Weeks brothers — West, Whit and Zach — shared the field for the first time together.

LSU will close their regular season on the road against the Oklahoma Sooner next Saturday at 2:30 pm.

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