Is a healthy Caden Durham the key for LSU’s offense vs. Texas A&M?

Is LSU RB Caden Durham the key to success for LSU’s offense on Saturday night?

True freshman [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] took the LSU backfield by storm early in the year. With LSU’s run game struggling, Durham’s workload increased and LSU found an element of explosiveness on the ground.

Last week, in LSU’s win over Arkansas, Durham notched 21 carries — a career-high that indicates Durham ascending to LSU’s feature back.

Durham was the No. 5 running back in the class of 2024. His talent was no secret, but we didn’t know how early he’d arrive. Durham has 62 carries for 382 yards on the year. That average of 6.2 yards per carry is one of the best marks in the SEC.

LSU is set for a primetime showdown with No. 14 Texas A&M this week. Against a strong Aggie defense, another big game from Durham could be the key.

A&M’s defense ranks in the top 25 in EPA/rush allowed, but there’s room to break some big plays. The Aggies rank 65th nationally in 10+ yard rushing rate allowed. That’s not an area where LSU excels, but Durham has the elusive ability to create something.

Nine of Durham’s 62 attempts have gone for 10 yards or more. With 3.23 yards after contact on average, Durham can find space even when the A&M defense creates penetration.

This game features two defenses playing at a high level. If it becomes a low scoring affair, game control will be critical. LSU won’t be able to do that with a stale rushing attack — making Durham a key to success for LSU’s offense.

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Texas A&M’s Mike Elko details relationship with LSU coach Brian Kelly ahead of Week 9 showdown

Brian Kelly and Mike Elko previously worked together at Notre Dame.

When LSU coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] takes the field in College Station to face the Texas A&M Aggies in a top-15 matchup, he will find a familiar face on the opposite sideline.

Aggies head coach Mike Elko, hired away from Duke this past offseason, is a former Kelly assistant, working under him as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

At his press conference on Monday, Elko was asked about his relationship with Kelly and what he has learned from him over the years.

“Oh yeah, I learned a lot,” Elko said. “Brian’s a really, really successful head coach that maybe isn’t into the huge self-promotion business. He’s the winningest coach in Notre Dame football history, I don’t know that that’s something that rolls off of everyone’s tongue. He’s been successful everywhere he’s been.

“My defensive coordinator path kind of married his head coach path, started D2, worked its way all the way up through. He had success kind of everywhere he went, and so a ton of respect for him, who he is. Certainly appreciate him giving me the opportunity he did to be the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, and he’s a really good coach. He does a really good job getting the best out of his team.”

Kelly also offered praise of his former assistant on Monday.

“We just talked about Blake Baker and his ability to relate, Mike does a great job with the players,” Kelly said. “He’s demanding but never demeaning. He has a standard of what he expects but has always been able to build great relationships with his players. So when you have that standard, and he’s a very bright mind when it comes to defense and defensive structures… so you’ve got a guy who has great experience, and he’s done it at a lot of different levels.

“I’ve always respected those coaches because that’s where I’ve come from. I started as a Division II head coach, he’s worked his way up. And any time you can hire an Ivy League grad, it makes me smarter. So that worked out well for me.”

It will certainly be an interesting reunion, and it’s a matchup we’re likely to see quite a bit in the coming years as Kelly faces his former right-hand man.

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5 things to know about Texas A&M before primetime showdown with LSU

LSU is set for a Saturday night showdown with Texas A&M. Here are five things to know about the Aggies.

LSU is back on the road this week, traveling to College Station for a top-25 showdown with Texas A&M.

By some standards, it’s the game of the week. The Tigers and Aggies will get ABC’s primetime slot and it’s the only Week 9 game featuring two top 25 teams.

The conference and playoff implications are massive. LSU and A&M are tied atop the SEC, meaning the winner sits alone in first place and controls its own destiny.

Controlling a path to a conference title means controlling a path to a first-round bye in the playoff.

A win buys room for error too. If LSU left College Station 7-1 with two marquee wins on the resume, the Tigers could afford to drop a game in November and remain in the playoff mix. The same could be said for A&M, who already has a stomping of ranked Missouri under its belt.

The stakes are set. Now, here’s what LSU fans should know about Texas A&M before kickoff on Saturday night.

How the Aggies got here

Texas A&M is in its first year under head coach Mike Elko. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and Elko have a previous connection after Elko worked on Kelly’s Notre Dame staff in 2017.

Texas A&M began the year by hosting a ranked Notre Dame team. The Fighting Irish had their way with the Aggie offense and A&M fell to 0-1.

But in a story not that different from LSU’s path, A&M has ripped off six straight to move to 6-1.

A&M already has four SEC wins, including the aforementioned stomping of Missouri in which the Aggies won 41-10. Elko and crew kept it rolling last week with a 34-24 win over Mississippi State.

Talent was never the issue with the previous staff, and the core of that group remains in place. Elko landed some high-profile transfers too. This isn’t your typical first-year head coach roster. It’s one capable of competing for a playoff spot.

Connor Weigman’s season

Connor Weigman was a popular breakout candidate entering the year, but after a poor Week 1 performance that came along with an injury, the hype cooled.

Weigman missed a few weeks while Marcel Reed played well enough to keep A&M afloat. With Weigman ready to return, there was some doubt about whether he’d get the job back.

Weigman returned for the Missouri game and his recent play has looked more like what Aggie fans hoped for. Weigman is averaging 10.5 yards per attempt in his last two games — second in the SEC in that span. He’s completing 70.2% of his passes over that same period.

A&M’s EPA/dropback was in the 80th percentile or better against Missouri and Mississippi State. Weigman isn’t a threat to put up 400 yards and throw for five scores, but he’s playing efficient football and A&M’s passing attack is rounding into form at the right time.

A&M is strong against the run but may allow some big plays

A&M’s defensive line is one of the most talented LSU will see all year. The Aggies are loaded with blue-chip recruits and now have Nic Scourton too, one of the nation’s top transfers.

If you need a couple of yards, A&M is tough to run on. The Aggies are near the top of the SEC in stuffed run rate (runs that go for two yards or less).

But there are some holes — A&M has a tendency to allow big plays on the ground.

With the way LSU has run the ball this year, I doubt LSU’s ability to be efficient on the ground. But with running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] getting back to full health, the Tigers have a chance to rip off some big runs.

Mississippi State RB Davon Booth had three 10+ yard runs on just 12 carries vs A&M. RB Johnnie Daniels had a big run of his own.

If LSU can get just a few of those from Durham, the Tigers’ offense is in good shape.

A&M lacks offensive firepower

The Aggies are still waiting for a playmaker to emerge on the offensive side of the ball. A&M’s leading receiver is Noah Thomas with just 289 yards on the year.

Le’Veon Moss is a bellcow at running back, but he’s coming off a game where he averaged 3.8 yards on 17 carries and didn’t record a single run over 10+ yards. Moss can be explosive, but it’s not consistent.

Explosive plays have hurt LSU this year, but A&M isn’t prone to chunk plays. LSU’s secondary can play with the Aggie receivers. If LSU tackles well and doesn’t let Texas A&M turn efficient plays into explosive plays, LSU can make it a long night for the A&M offense.

Players to know

On offense, you know about Weigman and Moss. Here are the other Aggies to watch.

LB Scooby Williams: According to PFF, Williams is the top-graded defender on the Aggie defense. He’s active in the run game and has the presence to step up and fill a hole or chase a play down from the backside. LSU will have to make Williams miss a couple of tackles.

EDGE Shemar Stewart: LSU’s offensive tackles will have their hands full with Stewart, who has 20 pressures on the year. LSU is one of the top pass-protecting offensive lines in the country, but Stewart will be a test.

LT Trey Zuhn: Zuhn continues to be one of the SEC’s most reliable offensive tackles. In 470 snaps this year, he’s yet to allow a sack.

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Should LSU be worried about losing 5-star corner DJ Pickett?

DJ Pickett is the headliner of LSU’s 2025 defensive class. Can LSU hold on down the stretch?

Most of the 2025 five-stars have already committed, which means teams must push for flips if they wish to add a five-star to their class.

Miami is doing just that with five-star LSU commit [autotag]DJ Pickett[/autotag]. It came as somewhat of a surprise when Pickett committed to LSU over the summer. Now, the Tigers will be tested to hold on down the stretch.

According to On3, Pickett will visit Miami this weekend.

“Mario Cristobal has been relentless in his communication,” On3’s Steve Wiltfong said, “but I think the push is only going to continue as you get close to the early signing period in December.”

Pickett is a Florida native and LSU fought hard to beat out Pickett’s home-state teams, but that always gets tougher as signing day nears.

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Pickett is the No. 8 overall prospect and the No. 2 overall corner. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] brought secondary coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag] back to LSU with the hope of landing defensive backs of Pickett’s caliber.

Raymond is off to a good start with Pickett on board, along with blue-chips [autotag]Kade Phillips[/autotag], [autotag]Jacob Bradford[/autotag] and [autotag]Aidan Anding[/autotag].

LSU’s had trouble building a consistent the last few years, but the 2025 class offers a chance to build a strong core on the backed. Keeping Pickett in the fold will be critical for Kelly and the LSU coaching staff as signing day nears.

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LSU head coach Brian Kelly spoke highly of Texas A&M HC Mike Elko and Kyle Field

Brian Kelly applauds former assistant Mike Elko and the atmosphere at Kyle Field

The SEC is a jumbled mess right now, with Texas A&M and LSU sitting at the top of the rankings, both teams undefeated in conference play. This is Mike Elko’s biggest game so far in his early head coaching career with the Aggies, and it can go a long way with recruiting as well.

What also makes this game intriguing is the relationship between Elko and LSU head coach Brian Kelly. During the 2017 season, both coaches shared a sideline when Elko served as the defensive coordinator under Kelly at Notre Dame. During this week’s media day, Kelly spoke positively of Elko and what it will be like playing at Kyle Field.

“Mike does a great job with players. He’s demanding but not demeaning…he’s a bright mind …any time you can hire an Ivy Leaguer, that makes (me) look smarter”

“They’re all difficult, but when you go to A&M, kind of like Tiger Stadium, they separate themselves (from other SEC stadiums)”

These coaches have nothing but mutual respect, and both are expecting a tough game in an electric atmosphere in Bryan-College Station on primetime TV Saturday night.

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Pair of LSU players receive SEC weekly honors after win over Arkansas

Emery Jones Jr. and Damian Ramos were honored by the SEC this week.

LSU went on the road and handled a tough SEC opponent coming into the game with momentum as it dispatched Arkansas 34-10 to take back the Golden Boot for the third year in a row.

There were several standouts from the win, and two of them have received weekly honors from the SEC league office. Offensive tackle [autotag]Emery Jones Jr.[/autotag] has been named the Co-SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, while placekicker [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] has been named the Special Teams Player of the Week.

Jones helped anchor an offensive line that allowed LSU to rack up 384 yards, including 158 on the ground — the second-highest total of the season. Ramos, meanwhile, was 4 of 4 on field goals including kicks from 47 and 48 yards out.

Those kicks proved to be clutch as three of them came in the first half when the game was still in doubt and helped the Tigers pull away. Ramos received the game ball from coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] for his efforts.

LSU is 6-1 on the year with momentum on its side as it prepares to face Texas A&M with sole possession of first place in the SEC on the line in Week 9.

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5 stats that defined LSU’s Week 8 win over Arkansas

These five numbers defined LSU’s 34-10 win over Arkansas.

LSU fans are accustomed to anxiety filled battles with Arkansas. That wasn’t the case on Saturday night with LSU securing a 34-10 win in Fayetteville.

Brian Kelly said it after the game — LSU played to its standard for four quarters.

LSU was inconsistent to begin the year. The Tigers dropped the opener to USC and struggled to pull away from FCS Nicholls State in Week 2. In Week 3, LSU had to scratch and claw to get a win vs. South Carolina. The following week, LSU let a bad UCLA team hang around in Tiger Stadium.

Then LSU figured some things out. It played a complete game against South Alabama before upsetting No. 9 Ole Miss. The win on Saturday was further proof of this team’s upward trend.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said this is a good time to be getting better and it looks like LSU is doing just that.

Here are five numbers that defined LSU’s win over Arkansas.

Whit Weeks: 5 pressures and a sack

[autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] is turning into a star at linebacker for LSU. He’s taken a huge leap under first-year defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] and proven to be critical for LSU’s defensive turnaround.

Weeks balled out again in week seven, notching five pressures, a sack, and a pick. Weeks is becoming a guy who opposing offenses have to circle.

He made five stops in the run game too and his 37 stops on the year lead all SEC linebackers.

Arkansas: -0.40 EPA/rush

The game plan for LSU was simple: stop Arkansas’ run game.

The Razorbacks’ identity over the first half of the year relied on creating explosive plays on the ground, whether it was QB Taylen Green scrambling for first downs or RB Ja’Quinden Jackson breaking tackles.

LSU neutralized the rushing attack, holding Arkansas to -0.40 EPA/rush, a number that put the Razorbacks in the fourth percentile.

Green was one of the SEC’s most explosive rushers entering the week but ended with three carries for 14 yards.

Nussmeier: 22/33 through the air

Nussmeier wasn’t explosive in this one, but he protected the ball and took what the defense gave him. You can’t go broke making a profit and LSU made a profit through the air on Saturday night.

Nussmeier’s week eight completion rate of 66.7%, the second-best of any SEC QB.

It was needed after Nussmeier’s shaky performance against Ole Miss. He looked comfortable from start to finish against Arkansas, a positive sign for LSU moving forward.

Caden Durham: 101 yards and three touchdowns

[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] continued his emergence against Arkansas. Durham wasn’t a rotational piece — he was the feature back. His 21 carries were a career-high, well over his previous mark of 12.

Durham averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored three times. With LSU behind the chains on its first drive, Durham ripped off a 22-yard touchdown run to put LSU on the board. That’s the element LSU was missing to start the year.

LSU’s run game remains a work in progress, but Durham has it pointing up.

LSU offense: 89% of available yards

LSU’s average starting field position was its own 42-yard line. That fact along with LSU picking up 89% of its available yards allowed the Tigers to control the game.

LSU remained on schedule and moved the ball all night long. LSU didn’t always cash in for a touchdown, but kicker [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] did a good job of ensuring LSU got points.

The Arkansas defense didn’t have many answers as LSU averaged over 50 yards per drive.

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Brian Kelly to face former assistant when LSU takes on Texas A&M

Brian Kelly will see a familiar face on the opposite sideline this week.

LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] will see a familiar face on the opposing sideline this week when LSU squares off with Texas A&M.

Aggies head coach Mike Elko worked under Kelly as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator in 2017. After a one-year stint, he left South Bend to take the same position at Texas A&M.

That led to Elko being offered a head coaching opportunity at Duke. Success at Duke brought him back to College Station — this time as head coach.

In 2016, Notre Dame ranked 61st in scoring defense. After the hire of Elko, the Fighting Irish rose to 31st in 2017. Elko’s unit ranked top 25 in yards per play allowed as Notre Dame put together a 10-win season that was capped with a win over LSU in the Citrus Bowl.

At SEC media days in July, Kelly said Elko is a smart football coach who will play to A&M’s strengths in every phase of the game.

“I think that’s why Mike’s going to do very, very well at A&M,” Kelly said.

Elko won’t be the last former assistant Kelly sees this year. Vanderbilt’s head coach Clark Lea served under Kelly for a number of years at Notre Dame. The Tigers and Commodores are slated to square off in late November.

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LSU has chance to take control of SEC with win over Texas A&M

The winner of LSU and Texas A&M will be in firm control of the SEC.

After winning its sixth straight game, LSU is tied with Texas A&M atop the SEC standings. The Aggies are 4-0 in conference play while LSU sits 3-0. They’re the last two remaining undefeateds.

That will change when LSU travels to College Station in Week 9. After all, someone has to lose.

The winner of the game will sit in pole position in the SEC, controlling its destiny with room for error.

If LSU wins, I’d expect the Tigers to be favored in their remaining games. That doesn’t mean the schedule gets easy. It includes home games with Alabama, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma along with a road trip to Florida.

But again, a win vs. A&M allows LSU to slip up in November and still be a in a great spot to compete for the SEC and make the playoff.

According to ESPN’s FPI, LSU has a 39.7% to make the playoff and a 12.9% chance to win the conference. Both of those marks are significantly higher than they were two weeks ago.

LSU is likely to be an underdog at Texas A&M, but the Tigers overperformed against Ole Miss and Arkansas. This could be a case of a team peaking at the right time — that’s good news as LSU gets set to head down the stretch.

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5 takeaways from LSU’s win over Arkansas in Week 8

Five takeaways from LSU’s blowout win of rival Arkansas.

With a trip to Arkansas sandwiched in between ranked contests against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, LSU’s meeting with the Razorbacks had “trap game” written all over it.

LSU avoided the trap on Saturday night. The last four meetings between these programs were decided by three points, but LSU got a comfortable win in this one. Despite being just 2.5-point favorites, LSU won 34-10.

If you’ve been paying attention to the SEC this year, then you’ll take a 24-point road win any day. For now, LSU is staying out of the chaos, and that’s good news for Tigers fans.

LSU led wire to wire in this one. [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] put LSU on the board on the opening drive and LSU outscored Arkansas 18-3 in the second half to put the game away.

Durham led the way with 101 yards and three scores on the ground. CJ Daniels, in his return from injury, led LSU in receiving with 86 yards.

Here are five takeaways from a big SEC win.

LSU wins the turnover battle

LSU protected the football and forced three turnovers of its own.

The biggest one came with five minutes left to go in the third. LSU put pressure on Arkansas QB Taylen Green, with a tipped pass leading to a Whit Weeks interception.

The turnover set LSU up on Arkansas’ two-yard line and LSU needed one play to punch it in for a score.

That put LSU up 24-10 and in control of the game. On a night where penalties killed LSU, the turnovers were key.

Tigers glad to have CJ Daniels back

Veteran receiver [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] was out against Ole Miss, but his return was welcome on Saturday night.

LSU got Daniels involved early. Nussmeier took a shot for Daniels on the opening drive that led to a pass interference putting LSU in position to score.

Daniels was critical in the quick game too, with LSU taking what the Arkansas defensive was giving it.

With seven catches for 86 yards, it was Daniels’ most productive night of the year.

LSU was efficient, but not explosive

The explosiveness element of LSU’s offense continues to be inconsistent, but LSU was efficient on Saturday, finishing with a success rate in the 88th percentile.

LSU kept the ball moving and picked up first downs as needed. Despite a lack of chunk yardage plays, LSU didn’t have to stress for yards in this one.

The Tigers finished with a success rate of 58% through the air. That’ll do after Nussmeier struggled to get comfortable last week.

Caden Durham is the feature back

With [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] healthy again, LSU gave the true freshman the bulk of the work. He carried it 21 times while Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams combined for just 10 carries.

On 22 touches, Durham totaled 108 yards.

It’s been a while since LSU’s had a true feature back, but Durham looks to be rounding into form. There will be some more growing pains, but LSU has a home threat with Durham in the backfield.

He’s given this run game the jolt it needed after struggling to start the year.

Win sets up showdown with Texas A&M

LSU has another big one next week with a road trip to College Station. Just like LSU, Texas A&M opened the year with a loss but has rolled since then.

The winner of next week’s game should control its own destiny on the way to a potential SEC title and playoff appearance.

If LSU wins, the Tigers will add another significant win to its resume, allowing LSU room for error in November.

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