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Four Key LSU Tigers Ahead Of Saturday's Clash With Kentucky Wildcats
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- Four Key LSU Tigers Ahead Of Saturday's Clash With Kentucky Wildcats
(Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
The LSU Tigers are heading back onto the road this weekend to face off with Will Stein's red-hot Kentucky Wildcats team. The Wildcats are on a three-game win streak and have been working to put together a hectic environment in Lexington.
Having bounced back well from their loss to the Ole Miss Rebels , though, the Tigers should have a renewed sense of confidence and the knowledge that they can't afford too many more losses in the SEC. They have the talent to win this game; they just need their stars to show out.
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Here are the key players that LSU will rely on on either side of the field:
QB Sam Leavitt
The Tigers have gotten two different versions of Leavitt this season. There is the gamer who uses his legs often to extend plays, but was often uneven in his throws. The past two games, though, he has been hurt and turned into someone who has been forced to stick and throw. That version of Leavitt has probably been even better.
The best-case scenario, though, would be for him to get healthy and be able to find a healthy balance. Kentucky's secondary is the strength of the defense, so they'll need Leavitt to be sharp.
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S Ty Benefield
Kenny Darby has been the Wildcats' best receiver. He had 12 catches last week and is up to 322 yards for the year. He almost exclusively lines up in the slot and will likely be extra motivated this week, as he was an LSU commit before flipping away. He has a relationship with Lane Kiffin and his staff.
Benefield has replaced Dashawn Spears as the starter in the star role, so he will be called on a lot against Darby. The former Boise State Bronco has been great in that role over the last two weeks.
LT Jordan Seaton
Seaton has long been recognized as a stellar pass blocker, but he has never offered much in the run game. That has started to change, though, over the past couple of weeks. The Tigers' rushing attack has a chance to take this game over, but they need push from the offensive line. If Seaton has started to pick up some strength and can move people around as he has recently, it would open up a ton for Dilin Jones and Harlem Berry. It could also help build his case to be the first non-quarterback taken in the draft.
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LB Davhon Keys
Keys has become much more important with the Whit Weeks injury. LSU began the year with spectacular linebacker play. It'll be up to the depth to keep it that way. Keys might not be as versatile as Weeks is, as few players are, but he has been incredibly solid during his snaps so far. He is a sure tackler and is three inches shorter than Weeks and likely won't be as good as a pass rusher or at engaging with blockers, but he could stand to be a little bit better in coverage.
Kentucky has two star running backs , so the linebackers are going to be key in slowing Stein's offense down.
