Texas A&M vs. LSU score, takeaways: Aggies take control of SEC race with QB change sparking comeback win

Moving to Marcel Reed under center helped push Texas A&M to the top of the SEC ladder

No. 14 Texas A&M secured its biggest win of the year Saturday, downing No. 8 LSU 38-23 to take a commanding lead in the SEC standings. With a 5-0 record in conference play, the Aggies are the only remaining undefeated team in the league -- and all it took was a quarterback change to truly spark Mike Elko's squad. 

Elko made the decision to bench a struggling Conner Weigman midway through the third quarter, turning to redshirt freshman Marcel Reed in his stead. Reed scored a rushing touchdown on his very first snap, keeping the ball on an option look and scampering 8 yards into the end zone after a Texas A&M interception gave the offense favorable position. 

That sparked four straight touchdown drives for the Aggies as they slowly chipped away at LSU's 17-7 halftime lead and eventually took a commanding advantage of their own. Texas A&M scored at least a field goal on all five of its drives with Reed at quarterback. 

A&M's offense did get plenty of help from the other side of the ball. The Aggies intercepted LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier three times in the second half and also stuffed the Tigers on fourth down once to set up favorable field position. 

Reed finished the game with two complete passes for 70 yards, including a 54-yard bomb to wide receiver Noah Thomas that led to the touchdown that gave Texas A&M its first two-score lead of the game. Reed also rushed for 62 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries, giving the Aggies a much-needed spark with his athleticism. 

It's a statement win for the Aggies, who established themselves as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender and emerged as a favorite to join the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta at year's end. 

• Texas A&M is 5-0 in SEC play for the first time in program history. 
• This is the first time since the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl that Texas A&M was able to overcome a double-digit halftime deficit. 
• Reed's three rushing touchdowns were the most by a Texas A&M quarterback since 2016, when Trevor Knight had three scores on the ground against Tennessee. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 11:46 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU's rushing woes limit offensive capability

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a nightmare second half. He tossed three interceptions, all of which led directly to Texas A&M scoring drives -- including two touchdowns -- and didn't connect on a passing touchdown after the 4:55 mark in the second quarter. 

But he certainly didn't get any help from LSU's running game. That was a consistent problem throughout the night, but Nussmeier was able to cover it up with some great throws and decision-making early. Eventually, LSU's one-dimensional nature caught up to it. 

The Aggies were able to sit on passing lanes without sparing a second thought for LSU's running backs. As a team, the Tigers finished with a paltry 24 yards rushing on 23 carries. Nussmeier scored LSU's lone rushing touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak. LSU was unable to bust a run longer than 15 yards and neither of its running backs that received carries -- Josh Williams and Caden Durham -- broke 30 yards individually. 

Take away an entire section of the playbook and an offense is going to struggle. The Tigers have to fix the running game if they want to get their season back on track. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 11:46 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas A&M takes control of SEC race, has inside track to CFP

The Aggies were largely left for dead after a poor performance in the opener against Notre Dame, but suddenly are winners of seven straight and sit alone in first place in the SEC. Texas A&M is the only SEC team with an undefeated record in conference play and now has a critical tiebreaker against LSU heading down the stretch.

Texas A&M's win not only sets it up well in the SEC Championship Game race, it gives the Aggies tremendous leeway heading into the home stretch. Road games against South Carolina and Auburn aren't locks, but they should win. A home game against No. 5 Texas on Nov. 30 will have incredible vibes. But even if the Aggies lose to the Longhorns, a 10-2 SEC team is a virtual lock for the CFP.

A loss to LSU would have made the path much more difficult, as the Tigers could soon find out. LSU has to play Alabama, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and at Florida in the closing weeks. A defeat would condemn the Tigers to three losses in a year where there are many one-loss teams competing for the CFP. The season from here needs to be perfect.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 11:43 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Quarterback switch works wonders

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman was a crown jewel of the Aggies' 2022 recruiting class and he stayed on campus through the coaching change. After yet another poor game, Texas A&M fans should be getting antsy about Weigman's performance. Against LSU, Weigman completed a paltry 6-of-18 passes before he was benched in the third quarter.

In his place, Reed was up for the challenge. The freshman has been speculated as a better scheme fit for offensive coordinator Collin Klein because of his rushing ability and he showed it off during a sensational four-drive stretch to take over the game.

Reed has his own issues that Texas A&M needs to work around. He is completing only 54.4% of his passes and cleared 60% only against Florida earlier this year. Still, Reed's legs give Klein something consistent to build on. At this point, Weigman doesn't have anything consistent.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 11:21 pm ET · Will Backus]

Texas A&M tacks onto its lead 

Late 4Q: No. 14 Texas A&M 38, No. 8 LSU 23 

Texas A&M was able to convert LSU's latest mistake into a 26-yard field goal from kicker Randy Bond, extending its lead to 15 points with just under four minutes left to play. Most importantly, the Aggies forced LSU to use a couple timeouts, which makes a difficult comeback even harder for the Tigers as time continues to tick away. Obviously, Garrett Nussmeier -- who has thrown three interceptions in the second half -- needs to bring his best stuff, and LSU is going to need some breaks to go its way. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 11:10 pm ET · Will Backus]

Another crucial mistake for Nussmeier 

It's been tough sledding for Garrett Nussmeier lately. LSU's star quarterback just threw his third interception of the second half. The latest came on a play that he didn't read properly. The Tigers attempted a short mid-screen, but it was a slow developing play and Nussmeier stared the running back down. That allowed Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York to read his eyes and shift into the passing lane. Nussmeier threw the ball right to him, and York was able to snag the pass. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 11:02 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Reed wows on first big throw

4Q: No. 14 Texas A&M 35, No. 8 LSU 23

Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed was waiting to take a shot, but he uncorked an astonishing deep ball to receiver Noah Thomas for a 54-yard completion to help set up another touchdown. Reed handed the ball to Le'Veon Moss for a three-yard touchdown run, a fourth straight touchdown since inserting Reed into the game. This is becoming truly unbelievable in College Station. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:52 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

LSU strikes back

4Q: No. 14 Texas A&M 28, No. 8 LSU 23

LSU needed quarterback Garrett Nussmeier's best after going down 11 points in the fourth quarter. The junior delivered with a sensational drive almost completely on his arm to again cut the lead to one score in College Station. LSU recorded a false start and incompletion to start the drive, but hit five straight passes for 79 yards to set up a quarterback sneak for a touchdown. The drive snapped a string of three straight turnovers with a punt to start the second half and quickly gets the Tigers back in the game. Nussmeier missed a throw on the attempted two-point conversion. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:40 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Aggies capitalize on Nuss mistake

Early 4Q: No. 14 Texas A&M 28, No. 8 LSU 17

No. 14 Texas A&M took a commanding 28-17 lead early in the fourth quarter after an interception from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was converted into another touchdown. The Aggies have caught fire since inserting backup Marcel Reed into the game, scoring on three straight drives. Reed himself has 60 yards and three touchdowns on just six total touches. 

On the last drive, Texas A&M appeared to score a touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but the play was overturned after a controversial blindside block call. However, Reed and Amari Daniels combined for 18 yards in three plays to take a double-digit lead into in the fourth. 

Nussmeier is up to 298 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions both led to Texas A&M touchdowns. The Tigers are rushing for only 26 yards on 17 carries. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:22 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Aggies take lead

3Q: No. 14 Texas A&M 21, No. 8 LSU 17

Texas A&M turned to quarterback Marcel Reed and the offense immediately putt together its best drive of the day. Reed had keepers of 20 and four yards, but also created a 17-yard opportunity for Le'Veon Moss with the threat of his legs. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein later dialed up a perfectly-schemed quarterback draw, and Reed was pushed into the end zone for a touchdown. This is the first lead of the day for Texas A&M. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:18 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Weigman benched

Texas A&M benched quarterback Conner Weigman after three quarters of poor work against LSU. Backup quarterback Marcel Reed scored an eight-yard touchdown on his first play of the game and entered the game as the full-time quarterback on the next drive. 

Weigman completed only 6-of-18 passes for 64 yards against the nation's No. 103 passing defense. He struggled mightily to deal with pressure and has created a handful of snaps with his inconsistent pocket awareness. 

Reed has completed 54.4% of his passes for 585 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions in five appearances. He gives the Aggies a far more dynamic rushing component with 226 yards and two touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry, including 83 yards on the ground against Florida. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 10:05 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Nussmeier makes first mistake

3Q: No. 8 LSU 17, No. 14 Texas A&M 14

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier tried a little too hard to extend a play on third-and-2 and Texas A&M made him pay as BJ Mayes forced Nussmeier's first interception and took it all the way down to the eight-yard line. On the next play, backup Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed came into the game for an eight-yard rushing touchdown to pull the game within three points midway through the third quarter. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 9:50 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

More of the same

Texas A&M got the ball to start the second half, but the same issues showed up again. Conner Weigman connected on one pass for 15 yards, but otherwise went 1-3 with a sack due to poor pocket awareness. Weigman is up to a paltry 6-of-17 for 64 yards, or below four yards per pass attempt. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 9:21 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

LSU pulls ahead at half

HALF: No. 8 LSU 17, No. 14 Texas A&M 7

No. 8 LSU leads No. 14 Texas A&M 17-7 at halftime of the marquee matchup in College Station. Tigers wide receiver Aaron Anderson changed the game after taking a catch 76 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter, pushing the lead out to double-figures. 

Texas A&M's defense has stuffed the run in the first half, holding the Tigers to only 24 yards rushing on 11 attempts. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been inefficient, but hit on enough big plays to post 259 yards and two touchdowns. Nussmeier  found Kyren Lacy three times for 84 yards as the Tigers took a big lead into the half. 

Texas A&M is dealing with the opposite problem as quarterback Conner Weigman has struggled mightily. He completed 5 of 14 passes for 49 yards, while running backs Amari Daniels and Le'Veon Moss combined for 92 yards on 16 carries. The Aggies had a key opportunity to get a fourth down conversion and potentially get on the board again before the half, Weigman had a pass batted down by Gio Paez at the line of scrimmage to end the drive. 

Texas A&M gets the ball to start the second half with a chance to cut into LSU's lead. However, only one of its six first half drives ended in points. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:59 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Anderson flips game

2Q: No. 8 LSU 16, No. 14 Texas A&M 7

LSU was putting together a clunky drive and backed up, but receiver Aaron Anderson turned the game over in one play. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier found Anderson, who bent low and split two defensive backs to reel off a massive 76-yard touchdown catch-and-run to push LSU's lead back out to 10 points. The Texas A&M defense has been playing well from a success rate perspective, but the Aggies have been susceptible to giving up big plays. Nussmeier and his receivers are taking advantage. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:51 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Key lineman out

Texas A&M right guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams is out, according to the broadcast. Backup Kam Dewberry has entered the game at the position. Soon after, the Aggies gave up a sack that killed a drive that was slowly gaining some momentum. The defense will have to stand up again. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:41 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Tigers miscues

LSU shot itself in the foot twice to kill a promising drive and settle for a long field goal, which was missed at 48 yards. The Tigers were called for two false starts on the drive, including one that made it fourth-and-13 on the edge of Damian Ramos' field goal range. Texas A&M has a chance to capitalize. Expect them to lean on their running backs. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:25 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Aggies lean on Moss

End 1Q: No. 8 LSU 10, No. 14 Texas A&M 7

Texas A&M got on the board thanks to a handful of strong plays from running back Le'Veon Moss. Moss ran for 25 yards on the opening play of the response drive to get the offense moving and capped it off with a speedy seven-yard bullrush through traffic to get into the end zone and get the Aggies into the end zone for the first time. 

LSU owned the first quarter thanks to a solid showing so far from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (8-12 for 85 yards, TD) and running back Caden Durham (55 all-purpose yards). An early fumble from Moss helped set up the first touchdown. The Tigers now have a chance to respond. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:18 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU expands its lead 

Late 1Q: No. 8 LSU 10, No. 14 Texas A&M 0 

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier keeps dropping dimes. He just ensured that the Tigers capitalized on Texas A&M's fumble with a beautiful touchdown throw to tight end Mason Taylor, who made a nice effort to stretch out and snag the ball before stumbling out of bounds. Nussmeier is having a stellar night thus far, with eight completions for 85 yards and the touchdown against Texas A&M's strong defense. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:09 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Aggies have first mistake

Texas A&M's mistakes are already starting to cost them. Aggies running back Le'Veon Moss fumbled the ball on a catch, which was recovered by LSU. To make matters worse, the Aggies were called for a late hit on the recovered fumble, pushing LSU far into Texas A&M territory in prime scoring position. Texas A&M needs its defense to get a stop. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 8:04 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Durham running wild

1Q: No. 8 LSU 3, No. 14 Texas A&M 0

LSU freshman running back Caden Durham broke off the first chunk plays of the evening to help set up a field goal for the first score of the game. Durham ran for 10 yards and then connected on a 40-yard pass from Garrett Nussmeier down the sideline to get into Texas A&M territory. Texas A&M's defense stood tall to hold LSU to a field goal, but the Aggies have to get on the board to keep pace. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:46 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Kyle Field rocking

Texas A&M hasn't had many big games over the past few years, but Aggies fans are responding to the first big test of the Mike Elko era. The press box is shaking as much as I've ever felt in my time going to games in College Station and fans executed the blackout exceptionally well. LSU will start with the ball and the Aggies' fans have a shot to make their opponents feel them. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Game Prediction

This should be one of the best matchups of the weekend and offers an air of true unpredictability. LSU's pass defense has been gettable, but Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman has struggled to find consistency at receiver. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is playing at a high level and can find creases. When betting, take any points available in a true 50-50 matchup. Pick: LSU +2.5

LSU vs. Texas A&M live stream, where to watch, TV channel, football game odds, spread, prediction, pick

Shehan Jeyarajah

LSU vs. Texas A&M prediction, pick, spread, football game odds, where to watch, TV channel, live stream

[Oct 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Playoff implications

LSU and Texas A&M got off to slow starts with losses in Week 1. Since then, both have fought themselves right back into the playoff race. The teams are tied for first place with undefeated records in the SEC. The winner on Saturday will pull into sole possession of the pole position heading into the home stretch. Even if they don't win the SEC, the winner gives themselves a tremendous chance of finishing 10-2 or better. A 10-win team in the SEC is in tremendous shape to make the CFP. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 6:20 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Things getting chippy

Texas A&M and LSU are already having words ahead of the marquee battle at Kyle Field. A LSU player bumped into Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart as he left the field during warmups and set up a mini fracas near the entrance. The matchup has major implications for the SEC standings as both teams remain undefeated in conference play.