Despite a strong offensive showing, LSU football couldn't outscore Kentucky in the end. The Tigers lost 35-34 in overtime and fell to 4-2 in head coach Lane Kiffin's first season at the helm. They return to Baton Rouge to host Mississippi State on Saturday.
The purple and gold need to win out if it wants to stay in contention for the College Football Playoffs. Home field advantage will help as LSU welcomes three ranked teams in its next four games. The offense found its stride and will benefit from playing in front of Tiger Stadium.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt put together an impressive showing in Lexington. He spread the ball around to eight different receivers and threw for two touchdowns, both of which went for 10 or more yards. Dilin Jones also
turned a well-rounded showing.
The defense kept LSU in several games thus far but sputtered against the Wildcats. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker must continue making adjustments to replace DaShawn Spears and Whit Weeks with heavy competition looming.
Here are LSU football's top five PFF graded players (among players with 20+ snaps) from Week 6 against Kentucky.
No. 1: Jackson Harris, wide receiver
Harris finished with a 75.9 grade. He played 63 snaps against the Wildcats and contributed to two of LSU's four touchdowns.
In the second quarter, Harris caught a 10-yard pass from Leavitt to bring the Tigers within three points. He became the primary playmaker in the fourth quarter, throwing a 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed. Harris caught six passes for 54 yards.
No. 2: Dylan Carpenter, defensive end
Carpenter played 20 snaps as a rotational edge rusher in Week 6. He turned in a 72.3 grade, the highest of any LSU defender. He made one tackle against the Wildcats.
No. 3: Dilin Jones, running back
Jones shined in all facets on offense for the Tigers, finishing as the leading receiver and rusher. He posted 140 all-purpose yards, 56 on the ground and 84 through the air. PFF gave him a 71.9 grade, and he played 67 snaps.
As a receiver, Jones was targeted seven times and caught every pass. He took one reception for 20 yards and averaged 12 yards per catch. He carried the ball 16 times, including one 14-yard carry.
No. 4: Sam Leavitt, quarterback
Leavitt played one of his most complete games of the season against Kentucky. He finished with a 71.3 PFF grade.
The LSU passer finished with 275 passing yards and two touchdowns, which came in the first half. He competed 74% of his pass attempts, six of which went for 15 or more yards. Leavitt displayed confidence in the pocket but turned into a ball carrier when he needed to, finishing with a touchdown and 56 rushing yards, adjusted for sack yardage.
No. 5: Winston Watkins, wide receiver
Watkins caught six passes for 62 yards and averaged over 10 yards per catch against the Wildcats. LSU went to him in big moments, like on third down during the final offensive drive of the fourth quarter.
PFF gave Watkins a 69.8 grade. He played 53 snaps in Week 6.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football's top five graded PFF players in Kentucky loss
