Tag: LSU Tigers football

How much did Texas A&M rise in the newest US LBM Coaches Poll?

Texas A&M’s huge 38-23 win over LSU led to a bump in the newest US LBM Coaches Poll

Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0 SEC) earned a statement win over the LSU Tigers in primetime in front of over 108,000 in Kyle Field, as the Aggies officially look like a College Football Playoff contender while staying in sole possession of first place in the SEC standings.

Behind the insertion of backup quarterback Marcel Reed, who ran for three touchdowns and led the Aggies to five consecutive scoring drives in the second half, Texas A&M’s rushing attack continues to break down defenses late.

The Aggies’ struggling secondary allowed 17 early points before locking down in the second half. Cornerback BJ Mayes recorded two third-quarter interceptions, which flipped the field and ultimately led to A&M’s incredible comeback.

Around the rest of the SEC, 12 teams were in action. Ole Miss took care of business against lowly Oklahoma to stay in the postseason race, while the Texas Longhorns escaped Nashville with a 27-24 win over Vanderbilt.

After Texas A&M’s 38-23 win over LSU, the Aggies have only moved three spots to No. 14 in the newest US LBM Coaches Top 25 Poll, while the Tigers dropped nine spots.

Here are the newest Top 25 rankings:

Rank Team Record Points
1 Oregon 7-0 1,323 (51)
2 Georgia 6-1 1,238 (2)
3 Penn State 6-0 1,197
4 Ohio State 5-1 1,107
5 Miami (FL) 7-0 1,087
6 Texas 6-1 1,082
7 LSU 6-1 946
8 Tennessee 6-1 916
9 Clemson 6-1 907
10 Iowa State 7-0 829
11 Notre Dame 6-1 809
12 BYU 7-0 740
13 Indiana 7-0 651
14 Texas A&M 6-1 641
15 Alabama 5-2 554
16 Kansas State 6-1 488
17 Missouri 6-1 486
18 Ole Miss 5-2 444
19 Boise State 5-1 379
20 Pittsburgh 6-0 359
21 Illinois 6-1 347
22 SMU 6-1 249
23 Army 7-0 185
24 Navy 6-0 115
25 Vanderbilt 5-2 37

Schools Dropped Out

No. 24 Navy; No. 25 Vanderbilt

Others Receiving Votes

Colorado 75; Tulane 27; Louisiana 14; Vanderbilt 13; Navy 10; UNLV 7; Arizona State 5; Virginia Tech 3; Duke 3; Arkansas 3; Louisville 2; James Madison 2; Michigan 1

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Texas A&M football head coach Mike Elko runs ‘a real program,’ he’s ‘not a politician’

“This is a real program. It is not fake,” Elko proclaimed. “It is not a politician running this program, talking fast and BS-ing everybody.”

Texas A&M football head coach Mike Elko did not hold back in his postgame press conference Saturday night following a 38-23 victory versus No. 8 LSU.

“I think it’s the way that we talk to the young people. The things that we talk about, the messaging, how we bring really good people into the building. We talk about doing things together, we talk about culture. Everyone talks about it but then we go out and live it every day,” Elko proclaimed. “I think we back up our actions, we’re very honest, very open and this is a real program.

“It’s not fake. It’s not a politician running this program, talking fast and BS-ing everybody. This is a real program! For all the recruits out there, this is a real place. If you want to be really good at football, this is a really good place to be.”

After beating another top 10 conference rival, the No. 14 Aggies (7-1, 5-0 SEC) will elevate in all the polls before playing at struggling South Carolina (4-3, 2-3) next weekend at 6:30 p.m. on ABC.

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Instant reactions to No. 14 Texas A&M football team victory versus No. 8 LSU

Following Saturday’s matchup between the Aggies and Tigers, we break down our instant reaction.

At long last, the Marcel Reed era in College Station can truly begin.

The Texas A&M football team hosted LSU in a primetime matchup this weekend with first place in the conference on the line. The No. 14 Aggies (7-1, 5-0 SEC) overcame a slow start to defeat the No. 8 Tigers (6-2, 3-1) by a final score of 38-23 on Saturday night at Kyle Field.

With redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman under center, Texas A&M’s offense was stagnant and struggled to get going. Then in the penultimate period, head coach Mike Elko made the bold, but correct, decision to replace Weigman with Reed.

The redshirt freshman immediately gave the Aggies a spark that they so desperately needed. Texas A&M trailed 17-7, then Reed rushed into the end zone twice to give the Aggies a 4-point advantage entering the final quarter.

With all the momentum, Texas A&M never looked back and outscored LSU 31-6 in the second half to earn its first 5-0 SEC start in program history. Just like the Aggies did Saturday, Elko can’t look back and must roll with Reed for the remainder of the season.

Otherwise, Texas A&M can kiss its hopes for the College Football Playoff goodbye, because Weigman isn’t the guy.

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Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis seen wearing a walking boot

Texas A&M starting left guard Chase Bisontis was seen wearing a walking boot on the sideline pregame vs. LSU

No. 14 Texas A&M’s Week 9 home matchup against 8th-ranked LSU is underway. Still, the Aggies are without one of their star offensive linemen, as starting left guard Chase Bisontis was officially listed as OUT against the Tigers after starting every game this season.

However, Bisontis may be in worse shape than previously thought. The sophomore was seen on the sideline in a walking boot while using a scooter, which may indicate he could be out longer than a week. Still, nothing is set in stone until head coach Mike Elko provides another in-person update.

Sophomore TJ Shanahan will start in place for Bisontis against the Tigers, and likely for the remainder of the games, he’s out. He has started at center for several days this season but is also returning from injury due to a similar lower-body issue. Overall, Texas A&M has dodged any major injury issues outside of starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s shoulder issue, which resulted in him missing three games.

Here is the image provided by 247Sports’ Carter Karels:

https://twitter.com/carterkarels/status/1850310720917012863?s=61&t=ORwqKiP69QrDviqsxNoT4g

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One of LSU’s top receivers could miss Saturday’s game vs. Texas A&M

LSU could be without of its top receiving options against Texas A&M

Less than five hours before Texas A&M and LSU kickoff one of the most important games of the 2024 regular season, the visiting 8th-ranked Tigers could be without one of its top receiving options, according to a source.

Throughout the week, both teams have dealt with at least one key injury, including Texas A&M starting left guard Chase Bisontis, who, as of Saturday afternoon, will not play on Saturday night. For LSU, according to ESPN CFB insider Pete Thamel, speedy senior wide receiver CJ Daniels is now a game-time decision to appear against the Aggies.

While most offenses are usually able to get over the hump of missing a wide receiver, LSU’s spread-out passing scheme requires a wealth of reliable route runners with the ability to make plays after contact. In contrast, if he’s unavailable, Daniel’s ability to take the top of defenses might limit the Tiger’s passing game.

In an SEC road game among a potential sold-out and very loud Kyle Field, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier might need to rely heavily on senior wideout Kyren Lacy throughout the night if Daniels can’t go.

However, Thamel also noted that Tigers WR Chris Hilton will be activated for the first time this season.

https://twitter.com/petethamel/status/1850157330366710229?s=61&t=PQIDTMRfGWyDcUiZmwLUEw

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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College GameDay Crew picks Texas A&M vs. LSU

ESPN’s College GameDay crew has predicted the winner of Texas A&M vs. LSU

No. 14 Texas A&M’s Week 9 home matchup vs. 8th-ranked LSU looms large. The primetime showdown has postseason implications, and the winner will be atop the SEC standings with sole possession of first place.

Both teams are 6-1 and undefeated in SEC play, surprising much of the media after falling in their season openers, including Texas A&M’s disappointing loss to Notre Dame to start off the Mike Elko coaching era.

However, it’s been smooth sailing ever since. Still, even though the Aggies are at home and have also won six consecutive games, ESPN’s College GameDay crew, which included Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and guest picker Kyle Schwarber, were less than confident in the Aggies chances to protect home field.

From left to right, Howard, Saban, and McAffee picked LSU to win the game, claiming the Tigers have momentum after blowing out Arkansas 34-10 last Saturday. However, Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Kyle Schwarber picked the Aggies due to the impact from the 12th Man, while Corso followed suit.

Herbstreit, who is calling the game, could not make a pick but seems more confident in the Tigers’ ability to steal a road victory on Saturday night.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M Football schedule: Are the Aggies playing today?

Texas A&M will host the 8th-ranked LSU Tigers on Saturday night in primetime on ABC

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) has reached the thick of the 2024 schedule after reaching 6-1 and 4-0 in SEC play, as the Aggies have already gone through the first of two bye weeks after defeating Missouri 41-10 in Week 6.

Earning their second SEC road win after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 in Week 8, the Aggies will now face their most significant challenge yet, hosting 8th-ranked LSU, who are also 6-1 and undefeated in SEC play.

After both teams had won their Week 8 matchups, it was obvious that the game should be a primetime event at 6:30 p.m. CT, with a kickoff on ABC.

On paper, both teams are equal in several areas. Still, in the trenches, Texas A&M’s defensive line will need to break through LSU’s border elite bookend tackles, who have yet to allow a sack on Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in seven games.

However, like most games, the quarterback battle between Nussmeier and Texas A&M starting QB Conner Weigman will likely determine who leaves Kyle Field with a victory.

Here is how Texas A&M’s 2024 schedule looks after seven games:

  • Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 31, Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame: L, 23-13
  • Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 7th, Texas A&M vs. McNeese: W, 52-10
  • Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 14th, Texas A&M @ Florida: W 33-20
  • Week 4: Saturday, Sept. 21st, Texas A&M vs. Bowling Green: W 26-20
  • Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 28, Texas A&M vs. Arkansas: W, 21-17
  • Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 5th, Texas A&M vs. Missouri: W, 41-10
  • Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 19th, Texas A&M @ Mississippi State: W 34-24
  • Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 26th, Texas A&M vs. LSU
  • Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 3rd, Texas A&M @ South Carolina
  • Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 16th, Texas A&M vs. New Mexico State
  • Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 23rd, Texas A&M @ Auburn
  • Week 14: Saturday, Nov. 30th, Texas A&M vs. Texas

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M vs. LSU injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 9 matchup

Here is the updated SEC availabilty report ahead of Texas A&M vs. LSU

14th-ranked Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) will host 8th-ranked LSU on Saturday night in a primetime showdown between two of the best teams in the SEC. Both teams have reeled off six consecutive wins after losing their 2024 season opener.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and LSU head coach Brian Kelly have previewed the matchup throughout the week, praising each other’s coaching style and the program’s success. The Tigers’ roster knows that Kyle Field will likely be the loudest it’s been all season.

After last Saturday’s win over Mississippi State, Texas A&M starting left guard Chase Bisontis left mid-game after getting rolled up on, sustaining a lower-body injury that has left him off the active depth chart ever since.

As of Friday, here is the latest SEC Availability report ahead of Saturday night:

Texas A&M injury report

  • Rueben Owens – RB (Out for the season)
  • Mark Nabou – OL (Out for the season)
  • Tyreek Chappell – DB (Out)
  • Jordan Pride — DB (Out)
  • Chase Bisontis – OL (Out)
  • Jaylen Henderson — QB (Out)

LSU injury report

  • John Emery Jr – RB (Out for the season)
  • Kobe Roberts – OL
  • Harold Perkins Jr. – LB (Out for the season)
  • Tyree Adams – OL
  • Chris Hilton Jr. – WR (Questionable)
  • RB Caden Durham (Probable)
  • Kyle Parker – WR
  • Princeton Malbrue – DE
  • CJ Daniels — WR (Questionable)
  • Thomas Crawford — OL (Out)
  • Kobe Roberts — OL (Out)
  • Tyree Adams — OL (Out)

OL Chase Bisontis injury update

After sustaining a lower-body injury against Mississippi State, Mike Elko started on Monday and again on Wednesday, and Bisontis was likely a game-time decision. However, as of Friday, he is again listed as OUT for Saturday’s game.

WR Terry Bussey’s injury update

After suiting up but not logging any snaps against Mississippi State, Elko reported that freshman wide receiver Terry Bussey is “fine” and should be available to return against LSU.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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CFB analyst David Pollack praises Texas A&M HC Mike Elko’s Year 1 success

College football analyst David Pollack is a big fan of what Texas A&M’s head coach Mike Elko is buidling in College Station.

Texas A&M’s 6-1 record, including a 4-0 start in SEC play, is extremely impressive, knowing that head coach Mike Elko is navigating his first season at the helm after his two-year stint leading the Duke Bluedevils.

Even more notable, before Elko arrived, the Aggies failed to win an SEC road game since the 2021 season under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, as the 2024 roster has fully bought into the culture and high standards Elko and his staff continue to preach, leading to a 2-0 conference road record so far.

While Elko and his team are completely focusing on hosting the 8th-ranked LSU Tigers on Saturday night, it’s appropriate to be proud of what the Aggies have accomplished so far, leading to college football analyst David Pollack heaping plenty of praise on the head coach through seven games.

“When you look at what Mike Elko did at Duke with less, I had very little concern that he was gonna do a lot more A&M with all those resources” Pollack stated. “It’s a team I’d buy stock in moving forward because of him, no nonsense, coaches ball, coaches energy, coaches effort, defensive savant, and experience in the SEC after all those years at A&M.

Concerning Texas A&M’s primetime matchup with LSU, Pollack believes the game will come down to the play in the trenches, specifically the Aggies’ defensive line against the Tigers’ O-line.

“So I’m not surprised, and by the way, the D-line with determine this game. Scourton and company against a very good LSU offensive line will go a long way in determining the outcome.”

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M’s red zone offense will be tested against LSU’s defense

Texas A&M’s red zone offense has been the best in the SEC, but will face the best red zone defense against LSU

Ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 9 showdown against 8th-ranked LSU inside what could be a sold-out Kyle Field on Saturday night, we at Aggies Wire have analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, including the Aggies’ highly efficient red zone offense under first-year OC Collin Klein.

Going into the matchup, this looks like a quarterback duel that could come down to the final possession, as Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman needs to find the same rhythm he had during the Aggies’ 41-10 win over the Missouri Tigers earlier this year, while LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is one of the best throwers in the country.

One area of interest before both teams take the field is Texas A&M’s borderline elite red zone offense, which scores touchdowns on nearly 80% of its trips. Meanwhile, LSU’s red zone defense allows an SEC-best 33% in the red area, pitting the best against the best.

For the Aggies to make it in the endzone against the Tiger’s stout front and impressive linebacker play, OC Collin Klein will need to get in his back, utilize motion, and find ways to get tight ends open, utilizing various mesh concepts to get receivers on the move and confuse the defense.

However, If and when the Aggies move the ball down the field and reach the red zone, star running back Le’Veon Moss will be the focal point, as the junior has already scored eight touchdowns through seven days.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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