The SEC’s last two unbeaten teams go head-to-head as No. 8 LSU visits 14th-ranked Texas A&M Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Interestingly, SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic pointed out that the Tigers have not lost to the Aggies when the two programs have faced off as AP-ranked teams.
While both teams began the 2024 season with losses, LSU and Texas A&M have won six straight games leading into their Week 9 showdown. Throughout their win streaks, LSU knocked off a top-10 Ole Miss team behind quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s 337 passing yards, while Texas A&M routed a top-10 Missouri team behind a balanced passing and rushing attack.
With more than 100,000 expected at the game, LSU must limit its pre-snap penalties after committing seven total during the first half of the team’s Week 8 victory over Arkansas.
Nussmeier has had an exceptional season after 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels was drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nussmeier is seventh in the nation in passing yards per game (317.4) and currently leads the SEC with 18 touchdown passes.
With a QBR of 82.7, which is 11th in the country, Nussmeier has been very efficient despite his completion percentage hovering around 55 percent in LSU’s three conference games. Per the Associated Press, head coach Brian Kelly attributes that to LSU’s passing scheme, saying, “You’re not getting some of the cupcake throws that keep the chains moving in some other offenses.”
A main focal point for LSU may be stopping the Aggies from running the ball. Led by head coach Mike Elko, Texas A&M is 13th in the country with an average of 218.6 yards rushing. Junior Le’Veon Moss has rushed for 674 yards and eight TDs this season. Even though LSU’s defense has struggled at times, Arkansas was held to 38 yards, while UCLA only produced 14 yards on Sept. 21, which should give the Tigers some confidence.
While LSU may also look to run the ball, freshman running back Caden Durham, who has produced eight total touchdowns, comes into the matchup battling a foot injury he suffered on Sept. 28.
With just over a month left in the regular season, the winner of this ranked contest will significantly improve their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff. LSU still has its annual showdown with Alabama on Nov. 9, and Texas A&M will host No. 5 Texas on Nov. 30, but the remaining schedule for both teams is not particularly daunting.
