When: Saturday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
Spread: Texas A&M (-1)
The top spot in the SEC is on the line in Week Nine as LSU travels to Kyle Field to take on Texas A&M. Who will be victorious when the Tigers’ excellent offensive line clashes with the Aggie’s formidable defensive front? Check out our in-depth preview and prediction here.
LSU
LSU had the best offense in college football last season, with first-round picks like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. leading the way. Although they lost those players to the NFL, their pass protection remained and has kept this offense running like a well-oiled machine. Will Campbell and Emory Jones are two tackles you’ll see go in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Garrett Nussmeier is a true pocket quarterback who has excelled because he has only been pressured on 22.6% of his dropbacks. If he has enough time to throw, he will continue to attack the middle of the field where Texas A&M’s defense has struggled.
LSU had some growing pains starting the season on defense, but their pass coverage has improved over the last few games. They’ve forced an interception in each of their past two games and have been getting home on the quarterback. According to PFF, the Tigers have generated a pressure on 40.8% of opposing dropbacks, the seventh-best rate in the country.
Texas A&M
Normally, increasing the pressure on a quarterback decreases their performance. But Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman has looked quite comfortable in the most uncomfortable of situations. The Aggies could also test a Bayou Bengals’ front giving up 153.7 rushing yards in SEC play this season. I don’t see them winning this game from the arm of Weigman, they’ll need a good mix of the run and pass to get a performance like they had against Missouri not too long ago.
Texas A&M has thrived on defense, unsurprising for a Mike Elko-coached team. They haven’t given up more than 24 points in a game this season, and no team has broken the 400-yard mark against them. Their defensive line has had a terrific season as well. However, the Aggies have excelled even more in the run game than as pass-rushers.
Prediction
This game has toss-up written all over it, but I will be taking the Aggies to win at home for a few reasons. I don’t see the LSU being able to lean on the run game consistently, meaning they’ll have to rely on an outstanding performance from Nussmeier. I think LSU’s pass protection slips up enough for Nussmeier to face pressure and miss some throws. The Aggies have a bit more balance offensively and I do believe their running game will find more success. If they can control the time of possession and get some sacks on Nussmeier, I think the Aggies will be in good shape to win.
Prediction: Texas A&M 27, LSU 24
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