LSU and Kentucky will meet for the 59th time Saturday night in Lexington, with the Tigers holding a commanding 40-17-1 advantage in the series.
But when LSU fans think about this matchup, three games in Lexington immediately come to mind.
In 2002, the Bluegrass Miracle.
In 2007, LSU suffered a triple-overtime loss to Andre Woodson and the Wildcats.
And in 2021, Kentucky dominated the Tigers 42-21. Eight days later, LSU announced that Ed Orgeron would not return as head coach after the season.
Saturday's game begins a stretch of seven consecutive SEC matchups for LSU. According to ESPN's College Football Power Index, the Tigers have the nation's second-toughest remaining schedule, behind USC.
The first challenge comes in Lexington, where LSU is looking for its first win since the Bluegrass Miracle. Here are five things to watch.
1. What happens on third down?
Kentucky ranks last nationally in third-down conversion percentage, converting just 13 of 53 attempts, or 25%.
LSU's defense has been much better in that situation. Opponents are converting just 26% of their third downs, the ninth-best rate in the country.
The Tigers have also been effective at getting offenses off the field. Through their first 63 opponent possessions, LSU has forced 25 three-and-outs.
If that trend continues, Kentucky could have a difficult time sustaining drives and keeping its defense off the field.
2. Can Kentucky win the turnover battle?
LSU enters Saturday as a 9.5-point favorite, but Kentucky has a potential path to an upset: force turnovers.
Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt has thrown seven interceptions, tied with two other quarterbacks for the most in the country. Kentucky enters the game with a plus-five turnover margin.
Wildcats defensive back Jordan Castell has two interceptions. The Florida transfer spent three seasons with the Gators before arriving in Lexington.
If Kentucky can capitalize on Leavitt's mistakes, it could make things uncomfortable for the Tigers.
3. How much will Sam Leavitt run?
Leavitt says he expects to be 100% for Saturday night's game after describing his hamstring issue as a "super light hamstring."
Improved pass protection has also allowed the LSU quarterback to stay in the pocket longer. But his mobility could be an important factor against Kentucky.
The Wildcats have recorded 10 sacks, led by South Dakota transfer Mi'Quise Humphre-Grace, who has 15 quarterback pressures, including nine hurries and 2.5 sacks.
However, Kentucky has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and Texas A&M's Marcel Reed both found success running against the Wildcats' defense.
If Leavitt is healthy enough to use his legs, LSU could have another way to exploit that weakness.
4. Can Kentucky's offense keep pace?
I don't expect Kentucky to slow down LSU's offense unless the Wildcats can force multiple turnovers.
Kentucky has allowed an average of 33 points per game in its three SEC contests, putting pressure on an offense led by quarterback Kenny Minchey.
Minchey has been efficient, completing 68% of his passes for 1,148 yards, 11 touchdowns and just one interception. The coaching staff would like to see him become more of a threat as a runner, though. He has minus-one rushing yard on the season.
Former LSU commitment and ex-Airline High School standout Kenny Darby leads Kentucky with 25 catches for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Darby set a Kentucky freshman single-game record with 12 receptions in last week's overtime win over South Carolina.
The Wildcats also have a productive ground game, with two running backs among the SEC's top 10 in rushing.
CJ Baxter has rushed for 361 yards and six touchdowns. Once ranked as the nation's top running back in the 2023 recruiting class, Baxter transferred to Kentucky after two injury-plagued seasons at Texas.
Jason Patterson has added 355 yards on 45 carries and three touchdowns. He's been difficult to bring down on first contact.
Tight end Willie Rodriguez gives Minchey another reliable option, ranking second on the team with 22 receptions for 194 yards and a touchdown.
Kentucky has enough playmakers to challenge LSU, but the Wildcats may need their best offensive performance of the season to keep up.
5. Can LSU handle the road environment?
LSU struggled to settle down in its first road game of the season, a loss at Ole Miss. Five pre-snap penalties contributed to the Tigers' problems.
LSU has also lost seven consecutive road games, with its last road victory coming against Arkansas on October 19, 2024.
The Tigers will need to play with better discipline in Lexington, especially against a Kentucky team coming off an overtime victory.
Weather could be another factor. Rain and wind are possible as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move through the region.
My prediction: LSU 28, Kentucky 20.
The Tigers have the defensive edge and more than enough offensive firepower to win, but playing on the road in the SEC is rarely easy. LSU needs to protect the football, avoid costly penalties and finish drives to leave Lexington with a victory.
