BATON ROUGE, La. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle that defied pregame projections, the LSU Tigers eked out a 13-10 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on a tense Saturday night at a rain-soaked Tiger Stadium.

The game, played on November 22, 2025, was a stark contrast to the high-scoring affair many anticipated. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of LSU 38, Western Kentucky 23, and its ELO system gave the Tigers a 95.70 percent probability to win. Instead, the two teams combined for a total of 23 points, which went well under the over/under line of 51.5.

The contest was defined by stifling defenses and offensive miscues, with LSU’s unit making just enough plays to secure the win and improve its season record to 7-4. Western Kentucky, which had been installed as a 23.5-point underdog, fought valiantly but saw its record fall to 8-3.

Western Kentucky seized the early initiative, marching 59 yards on the game’s opening drive. The Hilltoppers’ offense, led by quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., efficiently moved the ball, with key completions to K.D. Hutchinson and a 18-yard reception by Moussa Barry setting up a 36-yard field goal by J. Cannon. The successful kick gave the visitors a 3-0 lead with 11:36 remaining in the first quarter.

That lead would hold for the remainder of the opening period and deep into the second, as both defenses settled in. LSU’s offense, directed by quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. of Bowie, Md., struggled to find a rhythm against a relentless Western Kentucky front. The Hilltoppers’ defense was spearheaded by linebacker Jaylen Wester, who recorded a game-high 17 tackles, and defensive back Jaylen Lewis, who added 15.

The Tigers finally broke through late in the first half. Van Buren engineered a 12-play, 80-yard drive, methodically moving LSU down the field. The series was kept alive by a critical pass interference penalty in the end zone, and Van Buren capitalized two plays later, connecting with towering tight end Trey’Dez Green on a 2-yard touchdown pass. Damian Ramos’ extra point gave LSU its first lead at 7-3 with just 1:32 left before halftime.

The third quarter became a battle for field position, with the only scoring coming from the leg of Ramos. After a Van Buren fumble was recovered by the Tigers at the Western Kentucky 5-yard line, the LSU offense was pushed backward. Ramos salvaged the drive with an 18-yard field goal, extending the Tigers’ lead to 10-3 at the 5:55 mark.

LSU added what would prove to be a critical insurance score early in the fourth quarter. A sustained drive, featuring several carries by running back Harlem Berry of New Orleans, advanced to the Western Kentucky 12-yard line. The drive stalled there, but Ramos was true again, this time from 29 yards out, to make the score 13-3 with 11:15 remaining.

Western Kentucky, however, refused to capitulate. After a series of punts, the Hilltoppers’ defense produced a game-altering play. With under two minutes to play and LSU attempting to run out the clock, a botched handoff or fumble was scooped up by cornerback Dylan Flowers of Playa Del Rey, Calif., who returned it 71 yards for a touchdown. Cannon’s extra point suddenly pulled the Hilltoppers to within three points at 13-10 with just 1:05 left on the clock.

The ensuing onside kick attempt by Western Kentucky was recovered by LSU, allowing the Tigers to kneel out the clock and escape with the narrow victory.

Statistically, the game was a testament to the defensive effort. Van Buren finished 25 of 42 for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding 12 yards on the ground. Berry was a workhorse for the Tigers, rushing for 80 yards on 18 carries. Green was Van Buren’s most reliable target, catching six passes for 45 yards and the crucial touchdown.

For Western Kentucky, Tisdale struggled against constant pressure, completing 20 of 39 passes for 128 yards and throwing two interceptions. The Hilltoppers’ offense was held to just 128 passing yards and was sacked multiple times, with LSU’s Jimari Butler recording two sacks and DJ Pickett of Zephyrhills, Fla., adding another along with a key interception.

LSU’s defense was a collective force, with Davhon Keys of Aledo, Texas, leading the team with 10 tackles, and A.J. Haulcy of Missouri City, Mo., right behind with nine. Pickett and PJ Woodland of Hattiesburg, Miss., each came away with interceptions.

Both teams look ahead to their regular-season finales on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. LSU will travel to face Oklahoma, while Western Kentucky will hit the road to take on Jacksonville State.