The No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies lead the LSU Tigers 13-0 at halftime in SEC action.
It was a mostly strong first half for LSU’s defense, as Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond struggled, completing just eight of 25 passes for 77 yards.
While Mond struggled, Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller did not. Spiller ran through the Tiger defense for 125 yards on just 15 attempts and the game’s lone touchdown.
The Aggies led 3-0 late in the first quarter when Spiller ripped off a 52-yard touchdown run to extend the A&M lead.
Freshman quarterback TJ Finley made his fourth consecutive start under center for the Tigers and struggled. Finley completed eight of 19 passes for 93 yards and an interception.
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron did send in Max Johnson after Finley’s slow start. Johnson completed two of his three attempts for 18 yards before Finley returned.
The Tigers had two promising drives in the second quarter, which both ended in disappointing fashion. Finley was intercepted deep into Texas A&M territory on one possession, while LSU kicker Cade York missed a field goal on the Tigers’ next drive.
LSU receiver Terrace Marshall had a 54-yard catch-and-run to set up LSU’s first scoring threat. Shortly thereafter, Finley found freshman receiver Kayshon Boutte what appeared to be a fantastic touchdown reception.
However, officials overturned the play, saying Boutte did not have control of the football.
Overall, it was an encouraging effort by LSU’s defense in the first 30 minutes. Now, the Tigers look to get something going on offense in the second half in hopes of pulling off the upset.