The LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies are set for a pivotal SEC matchup on Saturday night in Death Valley. LSU enters Week 9 ranked No. 20 after falling from No. 10 in the wake of losing to Vanderbilt, while Texas A&M is the No. 3 team in the country and holds an undefeated 7-0 record.
There are many reasons why LSU has already suffered two losses this season, but one of the more eye-popping concerns among Tiger fans has been LSU's inability to slow down mobile quarterbacks.
Marcel Reed presents plenty of problems for LSU
Texas A&M Marcel Reed is a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams. His passing prowess is rounding into form, and his rushing ability gives Blake Baker and company a lot to worry about. On the season, Reed has thrown for 1,770 yards with a completion percentage of 61.9, and has 15 touchdown passes to just four interceptions. On the ground, Reed is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and has accumulated 241 yards and four touchdowns with his legs.
In last year's matchup against the Aggies, the Tigers had no answer for Reed's rushing ability. He didn't get the start, but when he came in he was nothing but effective, running for 62 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries. LSU would fall 38-23, which began a three-game losing streak for the Tigers.
The Aggie passing attack has allowed Reed to not be as reliant on his legs. Reed only has one game with double-digit carries this season, so he is picking his spots effectively. That makes for a tough matchup for LSU. Mobile QBs have been a problem for the Tigers in both of their losses this season.
Mobile QBs have been a problem for LSU
The LSU defense was on the field for 50 plays in the first half against Ole Miss in Week 5. The Tigers couldn't come up with timely stops to get off the field, and the offense couldn't sustain drives to give the defense any breaks. In total, that less-than-ideal recipe left the defense gassed throughout the rest of the game. However, Blake Baker's defense kept the Tigers in the game, allowing just seven points in the second half to the Rebels.
But LSU's inability to limit Trinidad Chambliss on the ground loomed large. Chambliss totaled 71 rushing yards on 14 carries, which equated to 5.1 yards per carry. The Tigers were able to get Ole Miss into several 3rd-and-long situations down the stretch, but Chambliss was able to improvise and keep the Ole Miss offense on the field.
LSU struggled to contain Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia as well. Pavia put up excellent numbers while facing little resistance from the LSU defense. In total, the Commodore QB ran for a team-high 86 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. He was the catalyst for the Vanderbilt offense all game long, leading Vandy to a 31-24 win.
It didn't help that Whit Weeks was sidelined with an ankle injury, but several other players had the opportunity to step up and never did. Harold Perkins Jr had a rough game from start to finish, and with Weeks' availability for the Texas A&M game also in doubt, LSU needs to figure out a better defensive game plan for Reed.