Texas A&M vs. LSU Preview

For the first time ever, Texas A&M and LSU will be facing off for sole possession of first place in the SEC. After 12 seasons of this game being somewhat meaningless (mostly for the Aggies) we finally get to see these 2 teams battle it out with real stakes on both sides. Both teams are playing better week to week after suffering week 1 losses. Looking at the remaining schedule for both teams, it is a very likely possibility that the winner will be in the SEC Championship. What a showdown this will be. Night game / Kyle Field / Blackout game. Biggest game of the weekend, to remain undefeated in SEC play. Let’s go over the matchups I am most looking forward to see. 

Conner Weigman vs Garrett Nussmeier

The ball throwers for both teams, Conner Weigman and Garrett Nussmeier. Two players who everyone had circled going into the year as guys who could have a potential breakout season. You could look at those two and point to things you like and things you don’t like, but you can’t deny that they both have steadily improved as the season has gone on (small sample size for Weigman). You can point to different matchups within this game in terms of “keys to win”, but I think those other matchups become insignificant if one of these guys decides to take over the game. Just like how Conner took over and played his best game against Mizzou and how Nuss took over late in the 4th quarter against Ole Miss. Both guys are very capable of doing such but have shown signs of inconsistency. It’s no secret that the team who turns the ball over more will most likely lose. Nussmeier has the tendency to get wild with the football and throw an unwarranted interception but on the flipside the LSU defense has been better at forcing turnovers as of late. Bottom line, don’t turn the ball over, a very easy task! Who will limit them the most and decide to play to their full potential? Time will tell. 

A&M DLine vs LSU OLine

What a beautiful matchup this will be. A matchup littered with NFL talent, more specifically first round talent. Someone featured in this group will be making themselves a lot more money at the conclusion of this game. After a bit of a slow start for the Aggie DLine, they have completely wreaked havoc since the Arkansas game. The LSU OLine had a little bit of a tough time against the South Carolina DLine, but have not given up a sack since (an incredible stat). Nussmeier is also the nation's leader in sacks avoided, he is incredible at avoiding losses and generating big plays. It will be up to the Aggie defense to bring him down and not allow him to get free. This will be a tremendous challenge for both teams, but a challenge both teams feel ready for.

The Run Game

In terms of game changing matchups, this is my second most important one. Who can establish the run game the most in order to get the pass game going? Up until last week against Arkansas, LSU hasn’t had to rely on the run too much. It almost looked as if they were an air raid offense at times. But last weekend LSU showed they are fully capable of running the football to win a game, and I'm glad they did. Now the Aggies have tape and are aware of what LSU is fully capable of. As for the Aggies, the offense functions through our running backs. Our best offensive performances have been led by our run efforts. If Le’veon and Amari are able to get going early, it will be very beneficial to settling Conner down. So it will be very interesting to see whose offense will be able to break through and establish a run threat. 

A&M secondary vs LSU weapons 

It’s no secret LSU isn’t lacking offensive weapons, as they never are. With the receiving core, TE play, and blocking from an elite OLine, this will be the Aggies toughest offense to stop this season. On the other hand this will be the best defense the Tigers have played so far this season. Like I stated earlier, LSU is very good at going from could be sacks to big plays. It’ll be up to the Aggies secondary to contain and limit separation if our DLine can’t get home to Nuss. I'm specifically circling Will Lee vs Kyren Lacy. Will Lee pull out the blanket? Or will Lacy pull out the shotgun? Also our linebacker coverage against the tight ends of LSU will be something to look out for. LSU use of the TE is some of the best in college football. It’ll be up to that group to limit their production.

Blake Baker vs Collin Klien

In my eyes this is the biggest coaching matchup of the game. A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klien vs LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Two coaches in their first season at their new school who are getting better every week. Each guy has undoubtedly been an upgrade to their predecessor, leaving fans hopeful for the future. What a great time for these two to face off. This is not the first time these coaches have gone up against each other. Last year Mizzou and Kansas state faced off in an early year classic, Baker getting the edge over Klien 30-27. It will be very interesting to see how these two want to attack each other. LSU threw in some crazy formations against Arkansas last week, another thing I am glad the Aggies now have on tape. Along with the QB play, I think this matchup ultimately will decide the game. In their biggest test yet, which 1st year coordinator gets it done? 

No prediction from me. I hope the Aggies get it done but if they are going to they will have to win the matchups I stated. There are many ways this game could go, but I will be keying in on these specifics as the game goes on. Cheers to the biggest game we have had in a very long time.

-AA/GC