Two red-hot teams collide as LSU visits Texas A&M on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: LSU ML (+125) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
LSU vs. Texas A&M
Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Kyle Field
LSU’s Dominance Over Arkansas
LSU’s offense thrived against Arkansas, thanks in large part to Caden Durham, who rushed for 101 yards and scored three touchdowns. Damian Ramos also contributed by hitting four field goals, a career-best for him, as the Tigers cruised to a 34-10 victory on Saturday.
Defensively, LSU capitalized on a key third-quarter play when Whit Weeks intercepted a pass at the Arkansas 5-yard line, setting up Durham for a two-yard score that extended the lead to 24-10. Ramos’ consistency continued as he converted field goals from 33, 33, 47, and 48 yards, bringing his season total to 12-for-14.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 233 yards, with CJ Daniels catching seven passes for 86 yards. Despite 11 penalties, LSU’s offense found a rhythm behind Durham’s strong rushing performance and avoided any significant setbacks. LSU’s defense held Arkansas to just 277 total yards and forced three turnovers, maintaining control throughout.
Texas A&M’s Sixth Straight Win
Texas A&M leaned on their ground game in a 34-24 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday. Le’Veon Moss led the way with two rushing touchdowns, including a three-yard score that gave the Aggies a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter.
Quarterback Conner Weigman, back after a shoulder injury, completed 15 of 25 passes for 217 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Jabre Barber was his top target, hauling in six passes for 92 yards. Texas A&M’s offense totaled 367 yards, with the Aggies converting 9-of-14 third downs.
Defensively, the Aggies were dominant, recording three sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Texas A&M’s ability to control the line of scrimmage will be crucial as they prepare for LSU.
Keys to the Game
Durham is coming off his second 100-yard game in three outings, and Texas A&M’s front seven, which tallied 11 tackles for loss against Mississippi State, will be focused on slowing him down. If they can limit Durham’s production, LSU may be forced to rely more heavily on Nussmeier’s arm.
Durham’s ability to generate positive yardage on early downs will be critical in keeping LSU’s offense balanced.
Moss has been a consistent force for Texas A&M, and his ability to control the clock will be key against LSU. The Tigers’ defense forced three turnovers against Arkansas, and if they can stymie Moss, it will put more pressure on Weigman to make plays.
LSU’s defense, led by Weeks, has proven capable of creating big moments when needed.
Nussmeier’s 233 passing yards against Arkansas showed his ability to push the ball downfield, and he’ll be looking for Daniels, his most reliable target. Texas A&M’s secondary allowed Mississippi State to stay competitive, so they’ll need to tighten up if they want to contain Nussmeier. Spreading the ball around effectively could put the Aggies on their heels.
Weeks has been a defensive standout for LSU, notching nine tackles, an interception, and a sack in his last game. His presence will be key in stopping both Moss and applying pressure on Weigman.
Texas A&M’s offensive line must account for his disruptive potential, particularly in key third-down situations.
Ramos has been rock-solid for LSU, connecting on 12 of 14 field goals this season, including four against Arkansas. His ability to consistently put points on the board could be the difference in a tight game. Texas A&M, which has struggled with turnovers, will need to avoid giving LSU short fields, as Ramos will capitalize on those opportunities.
NCAAF Pick
This game will likely be a hard-fought battle, with both teams leaning on their defenses to minimize explosive plays. LSU’s balanced offense, anchored by Durham’s running and Nussmeier’s passing, gives them the edge, especially if Texas A&M struggles to consistently move the ball through the air.
While Texas A&M’s defense will put up resistance, their offense may struggle to find the same rhythm against LSU’s opportunistic defense. The Aggies will keep it close with their ground game, but LSU’s ability to force turnovers and capitalize on key plays will push them to their seventh straight win.
NCAAF Pick: LSU ML (+125) at Bet365
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