No. 8 LSU travels to No. 14 Texas A&M in a pivotal SEC showdown with both teams hoping to take control of the top spot in the conference standings. Over the past two weeks, the Tigers outlasted Ole Miss and crushed Arkansas to get back into national contention after a slow start.
Outside of a 31-point victory over Missouri, Texas A&M has won all six of its games in ugly fashion. Last week, the Aggies overcame some defensive miscues to beat Mississippi State 34-24 behind two touchdowns from running back Le'Veon Moss. The Aggies are ridingon a six-game winning streak after losing a heartbreaker against Notre Dame in the opener.
Texas A&M and LSU have played every year since the Aggies joined the SEC and the home team has won each matchup since 2017. Last season, LSU beat Texas A&M behind four touchdowns from Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. However, the Tigers have not won at Kyle Field since 2016.
LSU vs. Texas A&M: Need to know
Nussmeier dealing: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has stepped in for Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and become one of the top signal-callers in the country. The junior is completing 65% of his passes for 2,222 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in only seven games. He has cleared 300 yards in five games and has four pass-catchers over 25 receptions. Currently seventh in the Heisman betting odds, according to FanDuel, Nussmeier is a longhsot to win the award at +3000. However, he could bolster his case for an invite to the New York ceremony in December with a strong performance in this marquee game.
Edge attack: Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton was a highly-touted transfer after the Purdue product and Bryan, Texas native opted to return home. He has already exceeded nearly every expectation. Scourton ranks No. 2 in the SEC with 11 tackles for loss and eighth with 4.5 sacks as a key disruptor in Mike Elko's defense. Over his past three games, Scourton has come to life, recording 7.5 tackles for loss. LSU's talented offensive tackles will have their work cut out.
Aerial battle: Texas A&M and LSU have complementary weaknesses, and both come in the passing game. Texas A&M has a bottom-four passing offense in the SEC, ahead of only teams like South Carolina and Oklahoma. LSU, similarly, leads only Mississippi State in passing defense and surrenders a concerning 7.8 yards per attempt. This game comes down to whether Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman can make LSU pay.
How to watch LSU vs. Texas A&M live
Date: Saturday, Oct. 26 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Kyle Field -- College Station, Texas
TV: ABC | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
LSU vs. Texas A&M prediction, picks
This should be one of the best matchups of the weekend and offers an air of true unpredictability. LSU's pass defense has been gettable, but Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman has struggled to find consistency at receiver. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is playing at a high level and can find creases. When betting, take any points available in a true 50-50 matchup. Pick: LSU +2.5
All sports betting odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Check out the latest FanDuel promo code to get in the game.
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