NO. 1 LOUISIANA STATE (6-0) AT NO. 17 KENTUCKY (5-1)

* Kickoff: Saturday 12:30 p.m.

* TV: Channel 2

* Line: Louisiana State by 9 1/2.

* Louisiana State update: The Tigers have survived South Carolina and Florida at home in the last three weeks, but get their first real road test. They have the top defense in the nation, giving up only 197.8 yards a game, and are second in scoring defense at 9.3 points a game. Running backs Jacob Hester and Keiland Williams have combined for 705 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Tigers are scoring 37.8 points a game.

* Kentucky update: The Wildcats are coming off a turnover-plagued loss to South Carolina and have Florida next week, so this is an important game in their quest for a conference title. Quarterback Andre Woodson, a Heisman Trophy candidate, has 1,536 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. The Wildcats are averaging 42.7 points and have won eight consecutive home games, but have not defeated a top-ranked team since 1964. Running back Rafael Little, who has 682 rushing yards, is questionable because of a bruised thigh.

* Story line: LSU has national title aspirations and will be trying to avoid the upset bug that’s going around college football. The Tigers have been solid on defense, but Florida -- by far the best offense the Tigers have faced -- had success.

* The pick: Kentucky. The Wildcats have enough offense to move the ball against the Tigers, but they must avoid turnovers, which cost them against South Carolina.

- PETER YOON