Kentucky vs LSU: Defensive x-factors for week six

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Kentucky vs LSU: Defensive x-factors for week six

Braxton Howard, UK Wildcats Wire · Wildcats Wire

Thu, Oct 8, 2026 ·

3 min read

ED Sam Greene

Sam Greene continues to make game changing plays for Kentucky's defense and that has to continue in this game. Greene single handedly killed two long drives at Texas A&M in week three, getting a fourth down tackle for loss and an interception on Marcel Reed. He did it again last week, forcing a fumble down 17-0 that jumpstarted Kentucky to eventually complete the largest road comeback in program history. Greene is a football player that makes massive plays when the team needs them the most and he has to make those type of plays in this game.

DT Tavion Gadson

Tavion Gadson is the scariest player on Kentucky's defensive line, and he is a handful for offensive guards as he can defeat blocks quickly. Gadson moved to a true three technique on the defensive line in this scheme change and it has benefitted him greatly. Gadson should be able to get quick wins against an LSU offensive line that has some question marks on the interior. The combination of power, speed and length that Gadson possesses is rare for defensive tackles and he must be at his best on Saturday.

LB Grant Godfrey / LB Bo Barnes

The Cats inside linebacker depth has been decimated, as they will be without linebackers three through five: Alex Afari, Tavion Wallace and Antwan Smith are all out for this matchup. This puts a ton of stress on Grant Godfrey and Bo Barnes, as both will play a ton of snaps on Saturday. They have done great things this season and continue to develop, but Jay Bateman will need their best effort in this game with the lack of depth. We mentioned to keep a close eye on Sam Leavitt's mobility in this game, if Leavitt's hamstring is good to go they will have to keep a contain him as he is known to run the ball and extend plays.

ED Princewill Umanmielen

Princewill Umanmielen is a game wrecking edge defender that followed Lane Kiffin over from Ole Miss. Umanmielen leads the country with eight sacks on the season and is a dangerous pass rusher. This puts a ton of stress on Kentucky's offensive tackles, Lance Heard and Malachi Wood. People that follow the NFL Draft closely will love the one-on-one reps when Umanmielen faces Heard, and Wood has really improved since his first start of the season against Alabama but will face a much more difficult test when he is matched up with Umanmielen on Saturday.

S Ty Benefield

Safety Ty Benefield is one of the best at his position in the SEC. LSU lost Dashawn Spears who was their starting nickel after he unfortunately suffered an ACL injury that ended his season. This has resulted in Benefield playing a bigger role as a slot corner and playing closer to the box. Benefield is a playmaker, but he will have his hands full when covering the dynamic true freshman Kenny Darby in the slot.