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PLAYERS TO WATCH
LSU QB Ryan Perrilloux
2007 stats: 28 of 38 passing, 402 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT; 31 carries, 166 yards, 2 TDs
This is the first season of significant action for the third-year sophomore from LaPlace. He has thrived in spot duty for the Tigers, interchanging with starting QB Matt Flynn in key running situations. Kentucky is 10th in the SEC in rushing defense, so expect Perrilloux’s option play to be difficult for the Wildcats to stop.
Kentucky QB André Woodson
2007 stats: 135 of 207 passing, 1,536 yards, 18 TDs, 2 INTs
A senior from Radcliff, Ky., Woodson has thrown for more yards and more touchdowns than any other SEC quarterback in 2007. While he has the arm of a Tim Tebow, Woodson isn’t a threat to run, he has minus-101 yards on 24 carries with a long of 11. In 2006, Woodson was 14 of 37 for 151 yards with an interception in a 49-0 loss to LSU.
WHO HAS THE EDGE?
Quarterbacks: Kentucky
Running backs: LSU
Offensive line: LSU
Wide receivers: Kentucky
Tight ends: Kentucky
Defensive line: LSU
Linebackers: LSU
Defensive backs: LSU
Kickers: LSU
Kick returners: Kentucky
Intangibles: Kentucky
Coaching: LSU
PREDICTION
As against Florida, LSU’s best defense at Kentucky may be a ball-control offense. LSU can run on Kentucky. LSU will run on Kentucky. Jacob Hester, Trindon Holliday, Ryan Perrilloux, all should roll against a UK defense allowing 183.7 ypg rushing. Don’t expect another 49-0, and LSU games in Kentucky never seem to be easy. But the only Bluegrass Miracle in this game will be if the Tigers need another last-minute drive to win.
LSU 35, Kentucky 17
-- Scott Rabalais