Kentucky vs LSU: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

LSU is the top team in the country and is looking for a blowout victory this week that will allow them to further separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Kentucky is going to try to hang on for dear life, just one week removed from getting trounced by Florida.

With Alabama and Oklahoma nipping at their heels, the Tigers need to make a statement against a team who isn't exactly going to be a talking point on their resume.

This is a daunting task for Kentucky, but they have the ultimate opportunity to prove themselves lying in front of them this week.

Let's take a closer look at this SEC matchup.

When: Saturday, October 1, 12:21 p.m. ET 

Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Watch: GamePlan, ESPN3.com

Spread 

Note: Lines according to Bodog

Kentucky +30 1/2, LSU -30 1/2

This spread should come as no surprise. Given the way LSU has handled ranked opponents thus far this season, it's hard to see Kentucky even competing. Kentucky was blown away by an SEC powerhouse and this week should be more of the same. Go with the Tigers in this one.

Key Injuries

Kentucky: Mark Crawford, DT, Probable (Disciplinary)
Collins Ukwu, DE, Doubtful (Knee)
Raymond Sanders, RB, Out (Knee)
Daryl Collins, WR, Out for Season (Knee)

LSU: Josh Johns, LB, Doubtful (Suspension)
Jordan Jefferson, QB, Doubtful (Suspension)
Josh Dworaczyk, G, Out for Season, Knee

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications:

Kentucky isn't going to sniff the top 25 this season, but the game may have greater implications on LSU than people may think. Right now Oklahoma and Alabama are drawing No. 1 overall consideration. If LSU doesn't blow Kentucky away and we see stellar performances from other contenders, they might forfeit the top spot.

Keys to LSU Win

LSU has to focus on the task at hand. Struggling in this game because they are looking forward to Florida next week is the only way the Tigers slip up this week. Jarrett Lee has complete control of the offense, the run game is clicking and the defense is amongst the best in the nation.

All LSU has to do is play their game. This game should get out of hand early. They're at home and Kentucky should be out of contention by half time.

Keys to Kentucky Win

Pray. The Wildcats are going to need a miracle to steal a victory on the road against the Tigers. Kentucky is accustomed to squaring off against SEC foes on a weekly basis, but that doesn't make their battle any easier.

If the defense can get back to the shutdown "D" they were in the first two games of the season, they've got a shot. Unfortunately, LSU is a little bit better than Western Kentucky and Central Michigan.

Prediction

LSU 46, Kentucky 7

This is going to get messy. Florida dismantled Kentucky last week and LSU is significantly better than the Gators. It's hard to see Kentucky putting up points on LSU, when far better teams have struggled to do so.

LSU has the ability to score points in a hurry as well, which is going to make this already horrific matchup even tougher for Kentucky, even if they are able to break through LSU's defense somehow.