Previewing the Texas A&M Aggies ahead of LSU's massive matchup
The game with the biggest stakes this weekend will take place on Saturday Night between LSU and Texas A&M in College Station. The winner gets to take hold of first place in the SEC and puts themselves in the drivers seat for a Playoff spot while the loser takes their second loss of the season. For the LSU Football team, this Texas A&M team is unique to most teams in the Country and it'll take a great game on both sides of the football to seal the deal.
On offense, the Texas A&M Aggies are carried by their effective run game which has been consistent all year. The Aggies have rushed for 1,530 yards and 16 touchdowns on 285 carries averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Texas A&M's run game is carried by Walker, LA native Le'Veon Moss who has picked up 674 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Amari Daniels is a solid back behind moss and the Tigers will need to keep their eyes on Conner Weigman as he can move the chains with his legs.
The Aggies haven't asked their quarterbacks to do a ton especially as Conner Weigman missed time with an injury. Weigman has completed just 56 of 91 attempts for 718 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions. When Weigman looks to go deep its typically to New Orleans native Cyrus Allen who LSU will have to pay a ton of attention to.
The Tigers offensive line will have to focus on slowing Purdue transfer Nic Scourton as he's one of the best defensive ends in the country. Thus far, Scourton has recorded 19 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. As a whole, this defensive line is very talented and they've gotten after the quarterback with 17 sacks on the season.
In the middle of this defense, Scooby Williams and Taurean York are tackling machines and are both players that excel in pass coverage. York is one of the best run defenders in College Football and when Mike Elko allows him to get after the passer, he typically gets home.
When Garrett Nussmeier gets ready to pass he'll need to be aware of where safety Marcus Ratcliffe is on the field as the ballhawk has three interceptions on the season. Cornerback Dezz Ricks is a player LSU is very familiar with as the younger brother of former LSU cornerback Eli Ricks. Ricks has twice snubbed the Tigers once as a high school recruit and once as a transfer so there will be some added motivation on both sides.
The Path to Victory for LSU
Like we said last weekend, LSU winning this game will come down to slowing the oppositions rushing attack. When Texas A&M has dominated it has been beacuse they've been able to run the ball early and often. Last weekend, LSU's defensive front stepped up and held Arkansas to just 2 yards per carry and it'll take a similar effort this weekend. On offense, LSU's team is by far the most talented group that the Aggies have seen so far but, they'll need to play up to that talent level.
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Note: Stats via ESPN