Kent State vs. LSU: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

It's safe to say LSU was underrated coming into the 2013 campaign.

Ranked No. 12 in the AP preseason poll, the Tigers have jumped four spots in the rankings in two weeks, scoring a combined 93 points against then-No. 20 TCU and UAB.

Senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been on fire, torching defenses with the help of receivers Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry (a combined 23 catches for 434 yards and six touchdowns).

Meanwhile, Saturday's opponent, Kent State (1-1), is coming off a 41-22 loss to Bowling Green.

Let's take a look at the matchup on Saturday in Baton Rouge.

*All statistics courtesy of CFBStats.com

When: Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA

Watch: ESPNU

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Betting Line (via Covers.com): LSU -36

Kent State Injuries (via USA Today)

Out: No injuries to report

Questionable: RB Dri Archer (Ankle), G Jim Katusha (Concussion)

Probable: No injuries to report

LSU Injuries (via USA Today)

Out: G Josh Williford (Concussion), RB Jeremy Hill (suspension)

Questionable: DT Anthony Johnson (Shoulder) 

Probable: S Craig Loston (Leg)

Top Storyline: Will Kent State Be Able to Keep Up with LSU?

LSU's defense isn't as dominant as it was last season, but the play of quarterback Zach Mettenberger has people turning their heads.

In Week 2 against UAB, Mettenberger went 16-of-19 for 282 yards and five touchdowns. Yes, it was against UAB, but that's still impressive.

For the season, Mettenberger has completed 63 percent of his passes for 533 yards and six touchdowns (10.45 yards per pass attempt). 

Kent State ranks 97th out of 125 FBS teams in points per contest this season (19.5). That includes ranking 84th in yards per pass attempt and 77th in yards per carry.

On the flip side, LSU ranks 16th in points per contest.

Get my drift?

Kent State's offense better throw some wrinkles into its game plan or it's going to be a long night in Baton Rouge.

LSU head coach Les Miles said he'd ideally like to give freshman Anthony Jennings some playing time against Kent State, per Scott Rabalais of The Advocate:

Prediction: LSU 45, Kent State 13

This matchup isn't likely to be pretty. Not only is Mettenberger on fire coming into the contest, but the Tigers are also playing at home. LSU also hasn't lost to a non-conference opponent in 43 straight regular-season games (that's not a misprint).

Kent State doesn't have the offense to keep up with the Tigers and—judging by the 41-22 loss to Bowling Green last week—doesn't have the defense, either.

Look for Mettenberger to continue his aerial assault, as Odell Beckham scorches across the field.