The LSU Tigers need a win in the worst possible way. They already have a pair of conference losses this season, and a third would effectively end their hopes of qualifying for the College Football Playoff - something they have yet to do under Brian Kelly. Coming off a 31-24 loss at Vanderbilt in Week 8, LSU is aiming to bounce back with a win in front of their home fans against No. 3 Texas A&M. It will be the second consecutive road game for the Aggies, who are coming off a 45-42 win over Arkansas last week.
It won't be easy, but LSU has a chance to stop Texas A&M from making history on Saturday night in Death Valley.
LSU aiming to stop Texas A&M's historic start
Mike Elko's Aggies are off to a 7-0 start, which includes a 4-0 start in SEC play. Looking to move to 8-0, the Aggies have a tough assignment on their hands going into Death Valley at night. Texas A&M has not started 8-0 since 1992, and LSU has a chance to keep that trend going. A win would not only end Texas A&M's undefeated season, but keep LSU's College Football Playoff hopes alive. LSU hasn't lost to Texas A&M at home since 1994, which is a steak the Tigers are looking to keep alive.
According to ESPN Analytics, Texas A&M has the best strength of record in all of college football. Strength of record reflects the chance that an average top-25 team would have the specific team's record given the schedule. For reference, LSU has the No. 21 strength of record in the country heading into Week 9. Getting a win in this contest would be a big resume booster for the Tigers.
The Tigers need to come out firing against the Aggies. LSU in on a bye next week, so there is no reason to hold anything back in this one. Texas A&M has won both of its road games this season, but they've done so by a combined four points against Notre Dame and Arkansas. Tiger Stadium figures to be rocking, and LSU needs to carry that momentum early in hopes of ruining Texas A&M's perfect season thus far. Kick-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT.