LSU Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies: Q&A with Gig ‘Em Gazette

As we look ahead to Thursday’s LSU Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies matchup in College Station, we sat down with Scott McDonald, the editor at Gig ‘Em Gazette, the Texas A&M fan site on the Fansided network. Scott was kind enough to answer our questions in regard to the game.

Death Valley Voice’s Cameron Roberson sat down with Gig ‘Em Gazette to provide the LSU side of things.

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Death Valley Voice (DVV): Talk about Texas A&M’s season so far.  The Aggies started off 5-0, and the team has shown the ability to score a lot of points in a hurry; however, since then, the Aggies have lost four of six. Has the season met expectations to this point?

 Gig ‘Em Gazette (GEG): Expectations were high, but uncertain, going into 2014. First the Aggies had to replace former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Secondly, there was the challenge of going on the road to face a top-10 ranked South Carolina team. Kenny Hill got the starting nod at quarterback and propelled himself into the Heisman race as the Aggies walloped the Gamecocks. The Aggies brimmed with confidence going into a less-than-stellar non-conference slate. Then the gauntlet began. Losses at Mississippi State and home to Ole Miss preceded a 59-0 crushing loss at Alabama. Kyle Allen entered the Louisiana-Monroe game at quarterback with many people considering the Aggies on life support. Texas A&M defeated the Warhawks before going on the road and pulling off the upset at Auburn. That came to a screeching halt with a mediocre showing at home against Missouri. It looks like the Aggies are still trying to fit all the pieces together. Sure, they can score points in bunches, but the defense has been very porous at times. It will take a lot of points to beat them at Kyle Field on Thanksgiving.

DVV:  As just mentioned, Texas A&M has the ability to score a lot of points, and at times, has been downright explosive. There is a lot of talent in the passing game, with Kenny Hill at quarterback, and three receivers with 40-plus receptions.  How has the transition to starter been for Hill, and is he the right type of quarterback to lead the A&M offense?  Compare Hill with Johnny Manziel.

GEG: Hill has been replaced with true freshman Kyle Allen, who went on the road and upset Auburn before getting beat at home against Missouri. He’s got a very strong arm and he’s learning the offense quickly. He’s shown the ability to scramble when the pocket breaks down and his receivers have confidence in him. He’s also shown good leadership characteristics for a true freshman. He’s also shown some Johnny-like quickness when out of the pocket. Hill, meanwhile, has faced some issues off the field and hasn’t seen action since the 59-0 blowout loss at Alabama.

DVV:  What does Texas A&M need to do offensively to be successful against LSU, given the Tigers’ strength in pass defense?

GEG: Texas A&M needs to control the clock and move the chains against LSU. It’s tough to move the ball against LSU’s defense in any year, but if they can try to wear down the LSU front seven with a good running game, then A&M will have a chance.

DVV:  Coach Kevin Sumlin’s teams haven’t been known for defense, and this year, the Aggies are near the bottom of the SEC in most defensive categories. Who are the leaders on defense and do you think they can be successful in limiting LSU in rushing yardage?

GEG: The A&M defense will need to confuse LSU’s quarterback into making audibles into the running game and disguise a pass protect package into a run-stop package. Deshazor Everett is one of the defensive leaders and they’ll need him to help make stops in the running game. Howard Matthews leads the team with 67 tackles — 34 solo. Armani Watts has three interceptions, seven pass break ups and 10 defended. The defensive line, though, will need to find a way to shore up gaps and not let the mammoth LSU line and beefy backs to shred them, else it could be a long night for the A&M defense.

DVV:  Who are three Texas A&M players that LSU fans need to keep an eye on?

GEG: Speedy Noil. The New Orleans Edna Karr product is just that — Speedy. Noil is dangerous on kick and punt returns and a phenomenal weapon on offense. Josh Reynolds leads the team in touchdown catches with 12 and yards (746). Punter Drew Kaser, a finalist last year for the Ray Guy award winner, is one of the best in the nation and can flip the field with one big boot.

DVV:  Does Texas A&M, whether we’re talking about fans or players, view the LSU game as a true rivalry game?  I ask as the two teams do have a history, and given the scheduling change in the SEC this year that has the LSU/Texas A&M game as part of “rivalry week” going forward.

GEG: Aggie fans love the renewed rivalry. Since Texas A&M moved to the SEC and lost Texas off the schedule, the Aggies haven’t had an identifiable rival in the new conference. LSU and A&M used to play in non-conference several years at the beginning of those seasons, but that fell to the wayside. I think it’s turning into a rivalry game because of the geography and brief history. But unless A&M can end the three-game losing streak, or if the teams can meet in meaningful, championship-deciding games, then it won’t become a big rivalry on a national stage. But hey, the Aggies love playing the Tigers.

DVV:  Care to predict the final score?

GEG: Texas A&M 31, LSU 17. A&M closes out Kyle Field in style before implosion of the west side of the stadium begins and reconstruction convenes before next season.