Both Teams Need a Bounce-Back
No. 10 LSU and No. 23 Texas A&M enter Saturday night looking to respond after suffering their first losses of the season.
Both teams are 2-1 overall and 0-1 in SEC play. LSU fell 32-24 at Ole Miss after rallying from a 24-7 deficit, while Texas A&M was upset 31-21 at home by Kentucky. With both teams already carrying an SEC loss, Saturday’s matchup has added importance early in the conference race.
LSU Returns Home
This will be Lane Kiffin’s fourth consecutive night game at Tiger Stadium and his first home game since LSU’s emotional trip to Ole Miss.
The Tigers have been productive offensively, averaging more than 500 total yards per game through three games. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has also shown the ability to make plays through the air and with his legs.
However, LSU will be without two important contributors. Defensive back Dashawn Spears suffered a season-ending knee injury against Ole Miss, while tight end Trey’Dez Green is expected to miss multiple games after suffering a knee injury. Green had 14 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown through three games.
Texas A&M Has Plenty to Prove
The Aggies are coming off a disappointing loss to Kentucky in which they were outscored 21-0 in the third quarter.
Quarterback Marcel Reed struggled in the defeat, throwing two interceptions and completing 33 of 54 passes for 265 yards. Despite the performance, head coach Mike Elko has continued to express confidence in his quarterback, pointing to Reed’s 15-6 record as a starter.
Texas A&M will also be without wide receiver Terry Bussey, who suffered a lower-body injury against Kentucky and is out for the remainder of the season. Bussey entered the game with seven catches for 92 yards and also contributed on special teams.
A Rematch With Plenty of History
Texas A&M won last year’s meeting 49-25 in Baton Rouge, making this LSU’s opportunity to respond on its home field.
The Aggies have also won the last two meetings between the programs, while the teams are tied at five wins apiece over their last 10 matchups.
That history adds another layer to an already important SEC matchup.
Game Information
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge and will air on ABC.
With both teams coming off losses, Saturday night gives LSU and Texas A&M an immediate opportunity to get back on track in the SEC. The atmosphere in Baton Rouge should be intense, and the matchup between LSU’s defense and Texas A&M’s offense could go a long way toward determining how the game unfolds.
