The tension surrounding the high-stakes game between the Tigers and Aggies was evident, thanks to a quick scuffle following a little pre-game trash talk. As for the actual fight, Texas A&M was knocked down but not out. The Aggies outscored LSU by 25 points in the second half to emphatically complete a comeback to take the win. LSU’s loss to Texas A&M leaves the Tigers with no margin for error in their remaining games to make the playoffs.
LSU’s Loss to Texas A&M
Fast Start in the First Half for LSU
LSU was successful early on both sides of the ball. Garrett Nussmeier was sharp and accurate, completing passes to eight different receivers in the first half. Aaron Anderson shook loose to turn a 10-yard reception into a 76-yard touchdown. Kyren Lacy was automatic on third and long, making catches of 21 and 33 yards on the same drive.
Defensively, the Tigers made Conner Weigman uncomfortable and ineffective. Weigman was pressured constantly and sacked twice in the first half. LSU forced three punts and one turnover on downs. Leveon Moss was the lone bright spot for the Aggie offense, but he couldn’t keep them in the game singlehandedly. However, he had help as LSU couldn’t play clean enough to put the game away.
The Tigers only punted once in the first half, but the normally reliable Damian Ramos missed two field goals after making four last week. His one successful field goal came after the Tiger offense stalled after gaining a first and goal inside the Aggie 10-yard line. LSU outplayed Texas A&M but settled for a 17-7 lead at the half. The Tigers had the lead and momentum, but they missed opportunities to gain more separation. Missed chances don’t usually go unpunished against quality opponents on the road.
Mike’s Modifications
Mike Elko pledged to make Nussmeier more uncomfortable during his halftime interview, and his defense backed up his words. Nussmeier hit only three of his next 13 pass attempts while throwing two interceptions in the process. With LSU’s lack of a run threat, the Aggies were able to disguise coverages well in pass defense. Nussmeier had issues making the correct reads in the second half.
As impressive as the A&M defense was, it wasn’t the unit that had the biggest impact on the game. Elko decided to insert backup quarterback Marcel Reed into the game in the third quarter, and it was a different game from that point on. Reed immediately rushed for an eight-yard touchdown. Suddenly, all the momentum was on Texas A&M’s side. Reed ran the zone-read to perfection, and the Aggie offense ran through, around, and past LSU in route to a 38-23 win. Texas A&M is now in sole possession of first place in the conference.
The Running Joke
LSU’s rushing attack has been inconsistent but showed signs of improvement leading up to this game. Any good vibes surrounding the run game were squashed in this contest by a mind-blowing total of 24 yards for the Tigers on the ground. Whether it was first and 10 or third and short, LSU could not create any room to run for its backs. Nussmeier was reckless with the ball, but 50 passing attempts is asking for trouble.
Not to be outdone, the LSU defense gave up 242 yards rushing. Reed completed a total of two passes but dominated the game. Blake Baker was surely aware of Reed’s skillset, and the Tigers have played mobile quarterbacks this year. The lack of resistance after Reed entered the game was shocking. The rules of defending the read-option don’t change, regardless of the quarterback LSU prepared for leading up to the game. The Tiger defensive ends, linebackers, and safeties all looked clueless to their responsibilities.
Moving On
LSU is now 3-1 in the SEC and 6-2 overall. The Tigers now have a badly needed bye week to study mobile quarterbacks before hosting Jalen Milroe and Alabama. Although the odds are against it, there is a world where LSU can finish 10-2. There are no elite teams, so the playoff race will come down to who can improve the most.
In some aspects, a team is what it is after eight games, but the staff still needs creativity. LSU won’t be a 50-50 run/pass team this year. That doesn’t mean an occasional misdirection or wildcat formation can’t make the run slightly tougher to defend. More importantly, the players must execute at a higher level on both sides of the ball. This is possible, and LSU has a tough but manageable four games left. Everything is on the table for this team. The results can obviously make or break the season but also determine the perception of the program’s direction.
