Breaking down the Week 9 matchup between Texas A&M and LSU…
No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 20 LSU
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge
Records: Texas A&M (7-0 overall, 4-0 SEC); LSU (5-2, 2-2 SEC)
Last meeting: Texas A&M defeated LSU 38-23 in College Station on Oct. 26 2024
Sports Roundup
TV: ABC
What’s at stake?
No. 3 Texas A&M is 7-0 for the first time since 1994 after defeating Arkansas last week. A&M is on a fast track for the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. Winning in Death Valley will be crucial to keep the Aggies’ momentum going amidst a three-game SEC road trip.
LSU is reeling from its loss to Vanderbilt, the Tigers’ first time falling to the Commodores since 1990. During his time at LSU, Brian Kelly has a 5-10 record against ranked opponents. If LSU can send the Aggies home with their first loss of the season, it would breath new life into Tigers’ season and take pressure of Kelly’s shoulders.
When Texas A&M has the ball
The Aggies’ offense has proven it’s ability to outscore opponents all season long. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein has managed to scheme his way past even the most talented defenses, so expect A&M to do the same against LSU.
Marcel Reed remains a Heisman candidate, having racked up 15 touchdowns through the air this season. While Reed isn’t as reliant on running the ball as he was last season, he is still a run threat, averaging 34.4 yards per game. Watch for Reed to find the end zone in multiple ways against the Tigers, especially considering LSU’s defense just surrendered 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns to Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia last week.
A new name emerged at receiver in A&M’s win over Arkansas, as Ashton Bethel-Roman hauled in four catches for 83 yards and touchdown in Fayetteville. Bethel-Roman’s emergence only adds to the receiving threats the Aggies have in Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. Look for Craver and Concepcion to pick up yards after the catch on quick routes and behind the defense on deep passes.
Rueben Owens II picked up right where Le’Veon Moss left off, as Owens rushed for 69 and two touchdowns against Arkansas. Behind Moss, EJ Smith and Jamarion Marrow have both proven to be key contributors in the backfield, as each have made crucial plays for A&M. Expect for every back to get some reps against LSU, including Amari Daniels.
Related
Regardless of who is getting the ball, A&M’s offensive line is going to maul LSU’s front seven. The Aggies have allowed the third fewest tackles for loss in the country, while also only allowing seven total sacks. A&M has been able to rely on its offensive line all season, and will need it to show up prepared to stand a chance against the Tiger defense.
The LSU defense has improved drastically in year two under defensive coordinator Blake Baker. The Tigers have gone from allowing the third most points per game in the SEC in 2024 to the third fewest in 2025. Linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins have been the leaders for the Tigers on defense. However Weeks is doubtful to appear against the Aggies after he suffered an ankle injury against Ole Miss. LSU starting defensive linemen Bernard Gooden is also listed as doubtful.
When LSU has the ball
The story of the Tigers’ offense in 2025 has been their inability to run the ball, averaging the second fewest rushing yards per game in the SEC at just 112.9. Caden Durham has been the only formidable threat in the LSU backfield with 342 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. A&M has struggled to diagnose the run, giving up a season high 268 rushing yards to Arkansas. LSU should be the perfect make-right game for the Aggies’ defense.
Under center for LSU is Garrett Nussmeier, who returned for his senior season with the hopes of improving his NFL stock. However he’s struggled some this season, with 11 touchdowns to five interceptions. Expect Nussmeier to throw the ball early and often, especially if A&M secures an early lead.
Plenty of Tiger pass catchers will get the ball against the Aggies, as LSU has six different players with over 150 receiving yards. Barion Brown leads the team with 32 receptions for 301 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Zavion Thomas and tight end Trey’Dez Green are likely to find the end zone against A&M, leading the team with three receiving touchdowns each.
The Aggies have succeeded on defense when forcing opponents into obvious passing downs, so A&M should be able to get plenty of pressure against a LSU offense reliant on throwing the ball. The absence of the Tigers’ starting left tackle Tyree Adams, won’t make keeping Aggies edge rusher Cashius Howell out of the backfield any easier, with Howell boasting 7.5 sacks, the sixth most in the country. Watch for Howell other Aggie defenders to bring heat all game, as A&M has the sixth most sacks in the country with 25.
Prediction
While the away team hasn’t won a game in this rivalry since 2016, A&M has already overcome history this year. Even if the Tigers manage to grab an initial lead, the Aggies’ defense is certain to adjust in the second half and handicap LSU’s pass happy offense.
Winning in Baton Rouge, would not only add another notch to coach Mike Elko’s belt, but it could put Kelly on the hot seat. A&M’s bolster of weapons on both sides of the ball will allow the Aggies to out pace LSU and come away victorious in Death Valley.
Score: Texas A&M 35, LSU 20
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