Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-2) vs. LSU Tigers (6-4)
November 22, 2025 7:45 pm EDT
The Line: LSU Tigers -22.5; Over/Under: 50.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the LSU Tigers meet Saturday in college football action from Tiger Stadium. Here’s an LSU vs Western Kentucky prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best LSU vs Western Kentucky pick.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview
Western Kentucky opened the year on a nice 5-1 run. The lone loss was versus Toledo; otherwise it was wins over Sam Houston, North Alabama, Nevada, Missouri State and Delaware. After a loss to FIU came wins over LA Tech and New Mexico State. In the 35-16 outcome versus the Aggies, the Hilltoppers scored 14 points in two different quarters alongside 429 yards, 5.4 yards per play, 24 first downs and two turnovers. The WKU defense gave up just 176 yards on the other side with 14 first downs and 5-of-18 on third-down conversions.
In last weekend’s game versus Middle Tennessee, the Hilltoppers managed a 21-0 edge by the break but did get outscored 13-7 in the third. Western Kentucky ended up scoring in every quarter on the way to a 42-26 win, though. QB Rodney Tisdale was 29-of-41 for 371 yards, three scores and one pick. Marvis Parrish carried 12 times for 102 yards while La’Vell Wright had 84 yards and two scores on 11 totes. Tops in receiving was Matthew Henry with 135 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions in the victory effort.
LSU Tigers Betting Preview
Over on the LSU side, they kicked off the year with wins over Clemson, LA Tech, Florida and Southeastern LA before a loss to Ole Miss. A 1-3 run came next with a win over South Carolina ahead of losses to Vanderbilt, Texas A&M and Alabama. In the 20-9 finish versus the Tide on November 8, the Tigers had 10 team penalties with just 13 first downs, 4.0 yards per play and 59 rushing yards—not to mention a couple of lost fumbles. The defense gave up 344 yards to Alabama with 5.5 yards per play and 17 first downs in the losing effort for the Tigers.
Matched up against Arkansas last weekend, the Tigers had a close escape. LSU was trailing 14-0 after the first quarter and 22-16 after the third. When the dust settled however, the Tigers walked away with a 23-22 win. QB Michael Van Buren logged 221 yards with a TD on 21-of-31 passing, and lead rusher Caden Durham had 65 yards and a TD on 12 carries. Zavion Thomas had six catches for 80 yards as the top receiver in the winning effort.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers @ LSU Tigers Betting Trends: Week 13
LSU Tigers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 13, Damian Ramos ranks T5th amongst FBS players for made field goals (20) this season.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 13, Cole Maynard ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for gross average yards per punt (48.7) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- LSU has lost the first quarter in each of its last five games – equal-longest active streak in the FBS.
- LSU ranks T6th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (75.0).
- Western Kentucky ranks 3rd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (27.3).
- Western Kentucky ranks 6th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (3.2).
LSU vs Western Kentucky Prediction
I’ll probably take a stab on WKU here. The Hilltoppers gave up a ton of production to a struggling Middle Tennessee team last weekend, though. In that one Western Kentucky surrendered 541 total yards, 20 first downs and 7-of-15 on third-down tries. The offense came up with 642 yards, 271 rush yards, 8.1 yards per play and 29 first downs on the other side though, which kept the team in front for the win. The Raiders’ nine penalties didn’t hurt matters, though. WKU has 28 or more points in three straight games now, winning all three of those. They’ve given up 26 or more in two of them, however.
As for LSU, they can thank their defense for last weekend’s win over Arkansas. The Tigers gave up just 2-of-11 on third-down tries and had three takeaways in the tight comeback victory. LSU has 23 or more points in three of the last four games, but they’ve lost three of those four. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a decent-sized total in this weekend’s matchup. I think WKU can pull it off if all goes well.
