The LSU Tigers claw their way into College station to play the Texas A&M Aggies on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th at 7:30 p.m. ET. The SEC showdown will be broadcast on the ESPN Network for your viewing entertainment. Heading into this contest, the Tigers are a -5 point favorite and the over/under is at 48.5.
The winner of this SEC battle, will finish no worse than third in the SEC West. In fact, they could technically tie for the second spot if the Auburn Tigers get beat-up in Alabama. Basically, the victor is going to be in the driver’s seat to play in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.
If the Tigers were able able to defeat the Gators on Saturday, the Sugar Bowl would’ve been there for the taking with a victory over the Aggies this weekend. Now, it’ll be tough for Ed Orgeron to be hired for the full-time head coaching gig and a bunch of key starters are going to be gone for 2017.
#16 LSU (6-4):
On their game’s last play against Florida last weekend, the Tigers went from being one of the hottest teams in the FBS to a 6-4 program. Considering the preseason expectations, one goal line stand by Florida and LSU’s season is considered a huge disappointment.
Quarterback Danny Etling wasn’t asked to win the game against the Gators last weekend, just not lose it. Etling accomplished that goal, throwing for 14 completions that went for a little over 200 yards and no picks. Since he’s been in the line-up, the LSU signal-caller has completed almost 125 passes for 1,582 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
LSU relies heavily on their running attack and that should be the same this weekend at College Station. The talented back field will need to focus on holding onto the football, because two huge fumbles cost the Tigers the win last Saturday.
Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice have been a force. Together, the running backs have amassed over 1,800 yards rushing and 18 scores. Unfortunately for the Tiger’s attack, Fournette is listed as doubtful for the contest on Turkey Day.
Three wide receivers share about the same amount of catches, yards and scores for the LSU Tigers. As a whole, they have caught 79 passes for over 1,000 yards and six scores. Unfortunately it’s not been enough to balance the offense, the Tigers rank 109th in the nation in passing offense.
The Tiger’s defense did its part in last week’s 16-10 loss to the Florida Gators. Holding an opposing school to just 16 points is about all a coach can ask for. One reason for their success is the Tigers are especially tough against running backs in 2016.
The Tigers rank 14th in the nation against the run (115.2). LSU also defends the pass well, allowing teams just under 200 yards through the air (25th). Next to Alabama, this front seven will be the best the Aggie’s offensive line will see all year.
#25 Texas A&M (8-3):
Texas A&M might be limping to their season’s end, but they have a shot at a strong ten-win campaign with a win over LSU and a bowl triumph. The Aggies hasn’t been the same since the second half of the Alabama defeat. Without Trevor Knight at the helm, the offense has sputtered too much. To add insult to injury, the A&M defense might never recover from their fourth quarter debacle against Ole Miss.
Since taking over for Trevor Knight, quarterback Jake Hubenak hasn’t done all that bad. In a limited roll, the new found rifleman has completed almost 60 passes for 811 yards with six touchdowns and two picks.
The Aggie’s running back Trayveon Williams has came down to earth a bit after an amazing start. Unfortunately for A&M fans, he hasn’t ran for more than 80 yards in the last five contests. This season as a whole, he has scampered for 956 yards and seven scores. Back field mate Keith Ford, has also pitched-in another 483 yards and five touchdowns.
Despite their quarterback going down, wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Christian Kirk still continue to be productive in Kevin Sumlin’s offense. The duo has nabbed 115 balls for almost 1,550 yards and 16 trips to the promised land.
What once was a imposing and intimidating defense, has now became under-average at best. The Aggies have fell to 81st in the country in total yardage against. They also have plummeted to 75th in the nation against the rush, allowing almost 180 yards a game. Somehow, the A&M unit still only allows 21 points a contest (21st).
Trends and Notes:
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
The Aggies are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The Under is 16-5-1 in the Tigers last 22 conference games.
The Under is 6-2-1 in the Aggies last 9 home games.
The Favorite is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Game Prediction:
Both of these programs are coming into this game banged-up after a long season in the SEC. Even so, a trip to the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl is there for the taking. The Aggies haven’t been the same since Trevor Knight went down and LSU really hasn’t recovered from the Alabama loss.
Points should be at a premium in this game and I expect the Aggie’s defense will finally rise to the occasion. The early line came out at 43, but the betting public has pushed it up to 48.5. The experts that set this over/under were closer to the correct total. Take the under 48.5 in another lackluster LSU Tiger affair.
