LSU roughs up Texas A&M: Tigers recover from Ole Miss loss with a statement victory over the Aggies

Third-year Texas A&M coach Mike Elko must pull his team out of a tailspin against an unforgiving schedule that features seven more SEC games, including four against ranked opponents. It's the most adversity he's faced since arriving from Duke and taking over for Jimbo Fisher. A year ago, the Aggies capitalized on a favorable schedule to reach the College Football Playoff with an 11-1 mark. It appears now as though the Aggies' simultaneous loss of offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman was too much for the program to handle.

Flaws on both sides of the football are abundant. A&M did not record a sack and, and its pass defense was porous. Offensively, the passing attack is anemic, and it appears quarterback Marcel Reed has lost his confidence. The Aggies are in a deep hole. Thankfully, a home game SEC bottom-feeder Arkansas awaits next week, but even beating the Razorbacks will be a challenge if A&M plays like it has the past two weeks.

If there is a concern for LSU coming out of an authoritative league win, it's injuries. Health issues were already mounting for the Aggies entering Week 4, and they got worse against the Aggies. Star linebacker Whit Weeks left the game on crutches and in a boot after suffering an apparent ankle injury in the third quarter. The team captain and former first-team all-SEC performer is the heartbeat of LSU's defense. He also missed five games last season with a lower a leg injury.

Offensively, key receiver Winston Watkins Jr. left the game in the third quarter after taking a big hit. Additionally, quarterback Sam Leavitt played through obvious discomfort after sustaining an apparent calf injury in the first half. He limped off the field at one point in the third quarter as backup Landen Clark entered and scored on a 4-yard touchdown run. Leavitt did return, but Kiffin lifted him for good once the Tigers opened up a 35-6 lead.

Those issues — all involving star players — came after Starting safety Dashawn Spears suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Ole Miss in Week 3. Tight end Trey'Dez Green also missed the A&M game, and his return date is uncertain because of an apparent knee injury.

With a calf injury limiting his mobility, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt had little choice but to become more of a pocket passer than he'd been during the season's first three games. He met the moment with his best throwing performance of the season as LSU's aerial attack finally looked how Lane Kiffin's passing offense's typically look. Instead of being so quick to scramble, Leavitt set his feet and delivered strikes while amassing 312 yards passing. He finished 17 of 23 through the air with a pair of touchdown throws and one interception. If the Tigers are going to reach their ceiling, that's the version of Leavitt they'll need throughout SEC play.

No. 10 LSU thrashed No. 23 Texas A&M 35-6 on Saturday in a convincing all-around performance as the Tigers put the disappointment of a Week 3 loss at Ole Miss in the past with a resounding victory. A week after faltering at home to Kentucky, the Aggies fell to 2-2 (0-2 SEC) while looking shockingly dysfunctional before a hostile crowd of 102,321 at Tiger Stadium.

After a slow start for both offenses — the first half featured eight total punts — LSU seized command in the third quarter behind a breakthrough performance from quarterback Sam Leavitt. The Arizona State transfer played through injury to deliver his best performance in an LSU uniform, and he received plenty of support.

The Tigers made life miserable on Texas A&M and struggling Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed. The veteran starter completed just 10 of 26 passes for 106 yards and an interception. By the time four LSU sacks were factored in, he registered -13 rushing yards.

For an LSU program that footed a $54 million buyout bill to fire Brian Kelly last season and then poached Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss with $13 million salary, this was the sort of performance that was expected. It was the same brand of dominance the Tigers displayed in a Week 1 beatdown of Clemson before a Week 3 loss against the Rebels in Kiffin's return to Mississippi. 

For Texas A&M, it was a humbling confirmation that last week's loss to the Wildcats was more than just a fluke outcome. Forget about the College Football Playoff; with seven SEC games still on the docket, the Aggies have significant issues to address if they want to make a bowl game.

With the game out of hand and Marcel Reed ineffective, Texas A&M turned to sophomore quarterback Brady Hart. The former 3-star prospect entered the game with 18 career pass attempts.

There is no way to sugarcoat what's going on with Marcel Reed. The Texas A&M quarterback is 10 of 26 through the air, and he looks bad. Some of his misses aren't even close. The departure of offensive coordinator Collin Klein to become Kansas State's head coach, but a mere coordinator change doesn't explain the entirety of what's going on here. He was never the world's most accurate passer, but his regression during the first month of the 2026 season is striking.

End 3Q: LSU 35, Texas A&M 6

LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt returned and delivered a 40-yard strike to Jackson Harris to set up another touchdown. Landen Clark checked back in at QB to finish the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. That's the second rushing touchdown of the game for the Elon transfer, and LSU has taken total control of this game.

The Tigers are more than doubling up Texas A&M in total yards (407-159) and are averaging 9.0 yards per play to just 3.4 for Texas A&M. Just a nightmare showing in all facets for the Aggies, who are just one week removed from losing at home to Kentucky.

LSU defender Whit Weeks just left the field in a boot and on crutches after hobbling off the field with an apparent ankle injury earlier in the third quarter. The senior linebacker is a team captain and former first-team all-SEC performer. Injury-related issues are starting to mount for the Tigers, who will get a breather next week against FCS foe McNeese.

LSU's offense will probably get the attention, and understandably so. But the LSU defense is coming to life tonight. The Tigers stuffed A&M's Carsyn Baker on a fourth-and-1 carry as Dahvon Keys hit him at the line of scrimmage. That returned the football to LSU in Texas A&M territory, and Landen Clark finished off the subsequent drive with a 4-yard QB keeper around the left edge. This is what Kiffin's first team was expected to look like. The Tigers are firing on all cylinders and proving once again how difficult it is for opponents to play in Death Valley at night.

Sam Leavitt is limping badly after injuring his left leg in the first half. He just checked out, and Elon transfer Landen Clark entered in his place. Despite being in obvious pain, Leavitt is turning in his best game of the season. He is 14 of 19 for 252 yards and two touchdowns. It almost feels like the injury-induced decrease in mobility has forced him to be more of a pocket passer and allowed him to process the field more effectively.

Early 3Q: LSU 21, Texas A&M 3

Lane Kiffin rolled the dice on fourth-and-1 from his own 43, and it led to a devastating blow against this reeling Texas A&M team. Sam Leavitt hit Jackson Harris on a play-action concept. Harris was wide open and ran untouched to the house. It's hard to imagine this A&M offense rallying from three scores down. That was a gem from Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr., and credit Leavitt for making the easy throw.

Rueben Owens ran for 43 yards on just seven carries in the first half but got just three carries in the second quarter. Given A&M's lack of efficiency in the passing game, the Aggies would be well-served to get Owens more involved in the third quarter. It's way too early to get one-dimensional, especially when you've had some success on the ground.

Half: LSU 14, Texas A&M 3

Marcel Reed hit Isaiah Horton for a gain of 27 near midfield with over a minute left in the half. But the Aggies went backwards from there with a holding penalty and then a sack to end a frustrating first half. Reed is just 7 of 15 for 75 yards as A&M is still seeking an offensive rhythm. The injury-related departure of Mario Craver in the first half also adds to Texas A&M's complications as LSU heads to the locker room with the momentum.

Late 2Q: LSU 14, Texas A&M 3

Sam Leavitt looked really good on that drive, which he capped with a 16-yard touchdown strike to Jackson Harris. Leavitt delivered a couple really nice throws to Winston Watkins earlier on the drive, including a beautiful strike on a third-and-7 that went for 35 yards. That drive was probably best picture we've seen from LSU this season of what a typical Lane Kiffin offense looks like. Leavitt is now 8 of 12 for 152 yards and a touchdown.

Texas A&M had a 23-yard gain wiped off due to offensive pass interference. That's just the way things are going for the Aggies, but it was an obvious call on the tight end Micah Riley, who took it upon himself to eliminate the primary LSU defender from the play just as Marcel Reed was releasing the football. 

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt returned after looking a bit hobbled on the Tigers' last series. His mobility is a massive part of the LSU offense, so that's an issue to monitor moving forward.

Mid 2Q: LSU 7, Texas A&M 3

Texas A&M finally settled in with a methodical march down the field that culminated with a third-and-goal play from the 6-yard line. Coming out of a timeout, Marcel Reed overshot Aaron Gregory. Mike Elko opted to play it safe and cap the 15-play drive with a 24-yard field goal. Star receiver Mario Craver limped off the field prior to the Aggies' third-and-goal play and appeared to be favoring his ankle. He's got three receptions for 31 yards, and his status will be a big deal for the Aggies after they lost receiver Terry Bussey to injury last week.

End 1Q: LSU 7, Texas A&M 0

Both offenses struggled in the first quarter of must-win SEC showdown between No. 10 LSU and No. 23 Texas A&M. However, the Tigers did put together an 82-yard touchdown drive on their second series to open the scoring. On the heels of a shaky Week 3 performance in a loss to Kentucky, A&M quarterback Marcel Reed started just 1 of 6 through the air. Finally, on the last play of the first quarter, he hit Mario Craver on an underneath route on third-and-14 and let Craver fight for a first down. Can that spark the Aggies? They'll have the football near midfield to open the second quarter.

Marcel Reed and Sam Leavitt are a combined 4 of 11 passing for 37 yards. There have been six punts in 13 minutes of game action. The Tigers lead 7-0.

It looked as though Sam Leavitt had picked up a first down while scrambling on a third-and-6. However, it was ruled after review that he began his slide one yard shy of the sticks. Lane Kiffin trotted the offense back out there to try and draw Texas A&M offsides on fourth-and-1, but it didn't work. The Tigers played it safe and punted it back to a Texas A&M offense that is off to a rough start.

Dilin Jones set up LSU's first touchdown with a 36-yard run up the middle and then finished it off with a 1-yard scoring run to cap an 8-play drive. Sam Leavitt made a couple of nice throws, first to Jackson Harris and then to Winston Watkins. The completion to Watkins came on a third down and kept the drive alive. Nice series from the Tigers after the game-opening three-and-out.

Both quarterbacks are entering this game with questions to answer after lackluster beginnings to the 2026 season. Both are off to bad starts. After LSU's three-and-out, Texas A&M picked up just a single first down via a Marcel Reed scramble before the Aggies stalled out. Reed had Isaiah Horton open on a second-and-7 play but misfired low. The Tigers brought heat on third down and Reed had to throw it away.

LSU got the opening kick and promptly went three-and-out. That was not the start Lane Kiffin was looking for. Sam Leavitt hit his first throw to Trey Wilson in the flat, but he was tripped up after a gain of two. Leavitt then missed Winston Watkins on a third-down slant route, forcing the punt team onto the field promptly.

Saturday night in Baton Rouge, desperation will be high as No. 10 LSU hosts No. 23 Texas A&M with both teams skating on thin ice before the end of September. Both lost their SEC openers as favorites in Week 3, making this close to a must-win for a pair of squads with College Football Playoff aspirations.

LSU will be playing its SEC home opener under first-year coach Lane Kiffin after falling 32-24 at Ole Miss last week in an emotionally charged environment. Texas A&M's loss came in more stunning fashion as the Aggies fell 31-21 at home as a 16.5-point favorite against an upstart Kentucky program.

The list of issues to correct for both programs is long. In both cases, erratic quarterback play is among them. The Tigers' passing game looks disjointed even after Kiffin signed the No. 1-ranked quarterback of the portal cycle in Sam Leavitt from Arizona State. Texas A&M's Marcel Reed -- now in Year 3 as the Aggies' starter -- is coming off a dreadful performance against Kentucky.

Trying to get right in a night game at Tiger Stadium will be a challenge for A&M. LSU is 25-2 in its last 27 night games at home. The Tigers are 6-1 at Tiger Stadium vs. Texas A&M since the Aggies joined the SEC in 2012.

This is the fourth edition of The Anxiety Rankings, and LSU has now been included in the No. 1 spot in three of them. What a roller coaster ride it's been for the Tigers and their fans, but at least this week they'll know they aren't carrying that anxiety alone.

This game, for all intents and purposes, is an elimination game. The loser will be 0-2 in SEC play, making it damn near impossible to climb above 14 other teams to earn the right to go to Atlanta and play for an SEC title. A second loss would also severely damage either team's chances at getting an at-large bid for the College Football Playoff.

Anxiety Rankings, Week 4: LSU-Texas A&M, USC-Oregon provide high-stakes matchups to close September

Tom Fornelli

On the heels of an embarrassing home loss to Kentucky, Texas A&M is venturing into college football's most intimidating night atmosphere. It's the wrong place to be for a team that is grappling with shaky quarterback play. LSU has plenty of flaws, too, but the Tigers are salty enough defensively to make life hard on Marcel Reed. On the other side, A&M's defense never looked comfortable or disruptive against Kentucky. LSU coach Lane Kiffin should have a field day game-planning after watching that tape. Pick: LSU -7.5

With the SEC moving to a 9-game league schedule and teams also required to play at least one nonconference game against Power Four opposition, schedules are less forgiving than ever. Top-15 foes Alabama, Texas and Tennessee still await both teams. Will this be the year a 3-loss SEC team makes the College Football Playoff? Until the CFP selection committee demonstrates an appetite to fully account for disparities in schedule strength, losing a third game would be ill-advised. Suffering a second loss here would eliminate any real margin for error with two months of a treacherous schedule still ahead.

Both teams suffered injuries to key players in their Week 3 losses. Texas A&M receiver Terry Bussey will miss the rest of the season after suffering a lower-body injury on the opening kickoff against Kentucky. The former five-star prospect was one of the most dynamic weapons in A&M's offense. LSU lost safety Dashawn Spears to a season-ending ACL injury in its loss to Ole Miss. Additionally, tight end Trey'Dez Green is expected to miss time because of a knee injury. Being without Green will make life even harder for a struggling LSU passing game. The hulking target is second on the team in receptions with 14 and first in receiving yards with 222.

Texas A&M has blitzed on just 12.7% of opponents' dropbacks, the lowest blitz percentage of any team in the SEC, according to truMedia. LSU is only slightly higher at 15%, but the Tigers have been better at generating pressure with four or fewer pass rushers. LSU has pressured opposing quarterbacks on 43.6% of dropbacks, despite blitzing infrequently. That could be a problem for the Aggies. Both quarterbacks are mobile enough to evade pressure, but they are prone to mistakes and will have to navigate layered coverages if defenses drop 7+ players into coverage. Perhaps it would be in the best interest of both offenses to lean on the run.

By the end of the night on Sept. 26, a popular preseason playoff pick will be out of the race.

Those are the stakes when No. 23 Texas A&M travels to No. 10 LSU for a loser-goes-home type game before the calendar even turns to October.

Does that feel hyperbolic? No team that started 0-2 in conference play has ever made the College Football Playoff. Perhaps that could change if the playoff expands to 24 teams but it hasn't happened yet when the field has been limited to four and then 12 teams.

A loser-leaves-town SEC game in September? When it comes to LSU vs. Texas A&M, that's what's on the line

John Talty