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The LSU Tigers were in a dog fight with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers this weekend, which is not a sentence that should ever be true. The Tigers defense does not deserve any blame, though, as they completely shut down the Hilltoppers offense.

Western Kentucky's only touchdown came from a fumble returned 71 yards at the end of the game. The Hilltoppers could not get anything going, especially in the second half. As a team, they gained just 19 yards in the second half.

LSU tallied two interceptions, six tackles for a loss, six passes broken up and five sacks. Pretty much everyone on the field had a nice night.

There were a couple of standouts, though. Pro Football Focus hands out grades from a scale of 0 to 100 after each game. For the Tigers' defense, these were the players who received the highest marks:

CB Ja'Keem Jackson – 80.5

Jackson transferred over from the Florida Gators this past offseason and joined a crowded secondary, where he hasn't gotten much opportunity. The redshirt sophomore received the second-highest PFF grade of his career as he tied his season-high in snaps.

He was targeted three times and allowed two catches for two yards. He could either stay and compete in a revamped secondary next year or transfer somewhere with more guaranteed play time. LSU would certainly like to have him back.

S Dashawn Spears – 77.9

Every time Spears has been allowed to play more in a game, he answers the call and looks great. He'll be a key piece of the team next season and could break out into stardom. He was a playmaker in high school, and that hasn't changed in college.

The sophomore was targeted five times in coverage and allowed just one catch for one yard, also tallying a pass breakup. He has the size and athleticism to be an NFL safety. If the Tigers' secondary weren't one of the best in the country, he'd already be starting.

CB DJ Pickett – 75.1

Everything said about Spears could be echoed about Pickett. Both youngsters showed out in this game and proved why LSU should not worry too much about their defensive back play dropping off next year.

Pickett was targeted eight times in this game and allowed just four catches for 20 yards. He got one of the two interceptions and even came through with a clutch third-down sack when blitzed by Baker.

The five-star has lived up to every expectation set so far and should only get better from here.

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