The LSU Tigers are looking to pickup a monster win against the 3rd-ranked Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday night. The Tigers return home after a road loss to Vanderbilt last week, and with two losses already, desperately need a win against Texas A&M to right the ship. LSU hasn't lost to Texas A&M at home since 1994, a streak that Brian Kelly and company need to keep in tact.
LSU is battling a number of injuries, most notably to star LB Whit Weeks and starting OT Tyree Adams. But the LSU defense is on track to get a key piece back on the field against the Aggies.
Bernard Gooden injury update: DT on track to play against Texas A&M
Defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is listed as probable on the latest SEC availability report for Week 9. Brian Kelly has confirmed to reporters that Gooden is trending in the right direction to play against the Aggies. Gooden's return will be a welcome sight to the LSU defense, as Blake Baker's unit struggled all game long to get the Vanderbilt offense off the field in last week's 31-24 loss.
Gooden hasn't played since Oct. 10 against South Carolina. In the game, he collected 1.5 sacks before suffering a bruised collarbone. Kelly said that the injury wasn't considered long-term, but it was enough to keep Gooden sidelined last week against Vanderbilt. The USF transfer has 13 tackles and three tackles for loss so far on the season.
The LSU defense was gutted against Vanderbilt, as the Commodores faced little resistance from start to finish. The Tigers have another tough assignment on their hands going up against a dynamic Texas A&M offense. LSU has struggled with mobile quarterbacks, and Marcell Reed presents plenty of challenges. Gooden and company need to be ready to roll from the jump. Kick-off between the Tigers and Aggies is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.