Whit Weeks – Syndication Server

LSU’s West Weeks offers postgame thoughts on brother Whit Weeks’ injury

Here’s what West Weeks said after his brother Whit Weeks left the Texas Bowl with an injury

LSU was shaken up during the second quarter of Tuesday’s Texas Bowl against Baylor as its star linebacker left the game with an injury.

[autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] suffered an ankle injury late in the second frame. Surrounded by his teammates, he was carted off the field with an air cast on his lower right leg.

One of those teammates was [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag], Whit’s younger brother and fellow Tiger linebacker. Following the win over the Bears, West was still emotional when talking about his brother’s status.

“I can’t really even put it into words,” West said. “Seeing my brother like that it took a huge toll on me, and honestly, the only thing that got me back in the game was seeing my whole team rallying around him. That was special to me.”

Despite only playing in the first half, Whit was tied for the team lead in tackles with six.

On the season, he led the Tigers with 125 tackles, including ten for loss and three and a half sacks. He added six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and an interception.

Starting quarterback [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] called Weeks one of “our leaders” and shared what they said before Weeks was carted off the field.

“Hopefully, he’s happy with how we were able to respond with him coming out,” Nussmeier said. “I went and gave him some love when he was in the cart, and he told me just to win it, to finish it, and I told him I got him.”

LSU’s Whit Weeks undergoes surgery following Texas Bowl injury

Whit Weeks underwent surgery to repair injury suffered in the Texas Bowl

LSU football star linebacker [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] underwent surgery on Thursday to repair a broken fibula, part of an ankle injury sustained during LSU’s bowl game, according to a report from The Advocate.

The report said Weeks didn’t suffer ligament damage and expects to make a full recovery in a few months. He may make it back in time to participate in spring practices.

In the Kinder’s Texas Bowl on Tuesday, Weeks went down late in the second quarter and was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg. He did not return, and head coach Brian Kelly reported he suffered a dislocated ankle, indicating a pending surgery.

The sophomore led the Tigers and tied for second in the SEC with 125 tackles. Weeks also totaled 10 tackles for loss, three and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

Before leaving the field, Weeks was surrounded by teammates, including brother and LSU linebacker [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag]. The two, along with youngest brother Zach, will don the purple and gold next season. Zach Weeks signed with the Tigers as part of the 2025 recruiting class.

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks leaves Texas Bowl with lower body injury

LSU football took a massive hit with a star injury in the second quarter of the Texas Bowl

LSU football won’t be leaving the bowl game injury-free.

Star linebacker [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] suffered a lower-body injury in the second quarter of the Tigers’ game against Baylor. The sophomore went down as he went in to make a tackle during Baylor’s one-yard touchdown play.

Much of the medical attention focused on Weeks’ right ankle. He was carted off the field in an air cast to a standing ovation. His teammates, including his brother West Weeks, encouraged him as the medical staff put him on the cart.

Prior to the injury, Weeks totaled a team-best six tackles. He finished 2024 with 125 total tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles, deflected four passes, and caught one interception.

Weeks was slated to return to the Tigers next season with West and their youngest brother Zach Weeks, who signed with LSU as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class.

LSU leads Baylor 34-17 at the half.

LSU four-star linebacker transferring to old SEC West rival

LSU is losing a talented linebacker to an old SEC west rival

An LSU linebacker is transferring to one of the Tigers’ longtime rivals. [autotag]Xavier Atkins[/autotag] announced his commitment to Auburn on Tuesday, joining Hugh Freeze’s group after spending one year at LSU.

Atkins was a four-star linebacker in the class of 2024. The On3 Industry Rankings slotted Atkins as the No. 309 ranked overall prospect, the No. 24 linebacker, and the No. 50 recruit in Texas. Atkins was originally from Louisiana.

Atkins hitting the portal was not a surprise. With [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] and [autotag]Dahvon Keys[/autotag] both seeing significant playing time in 2024, LSU didn’t offer much of an opportunity at linebacker.

LSU’s depth takes a hit with Atkins departure, and it’s not great when a young blue-chip recruit goes to an SEC rival, but the Tigers like where they sit at the position.

There’s also a chance LSU returns star linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag], who continues to recover from a knee injury suffered in the win over UCLA.

Atkins joins an Auburn transfer class that is among the best in the SEC. So far, the Tigers have added ten players from the portal.

Stock Up, Stock Down: Tigers win their final home game of the season

Who saw their stock rise and fall in LSU’s big win over Oklahoma

Coming into tonight’s game against Oklahoma, [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and the LSU Tigers were coming off of a win over Vanderbilt. On the other hand, Oklahoma was coming off of a big win at home over Alabama. The question entering the game was if Oklahoma would suffer a hangover from that win.

It appeared as though they may have still been hungover from their big win last week as LSU came out with a big 37-17 win over Boomer Sooner. On senior night, the seniors on this team decided to go out with a bang.

A few of the key players in this game were Garrett Nussmeier, Caden Durham, Chris Hilton Jr., and Whit Weeks. Those four guys were a big reason why the Tigers won.

Let’s look at the players who saw their stock rise or fall in this game.

Stock Up: Caden Durham

[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] was the leading rusher for the Tigers tonight as he finished the game with 11 carries for 80 yards. His longest rush of the night was a 50-yard scamper.

Stock Down: Penalties

The biggest thing I want to harp on in this game is penalties. LSU had 6 penalties for 46 yards. In the first half, the Offensive Line had a holding penalty and two false start penalties.

Stock Up: Garrett Nussmeier

[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] played well once again, although he left the game with an injury for a short period. He finished the game 22-for-31 throwing for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

Stock Up: Chris Hilton Jr.

[autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] only had two receptions tonight but they were both big ones. He had two receptions for 85 yards against Oklahoma but both of his receptions went for touchdowns.

Stock Up: Whit Weeks

[autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] was phenomenal for the Tigers tonight. He finished the game with the most tackles on the team (15) with nine of those being solo tackles.

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Where does Whit Weeks rank among SEC linebackers in key stats?

Where does LSU linebacker Whit Weeks rank among SEC linebackers?

LSU football’s Whit Weeks is enjoying a breakout season. The sophomore linebacker began the year rotating in but forced himself into a full-time role.

Weeks was a blue-chip recruit out of high school and displayed flashes as a true freshman, but LSU wanted to see consistency. Weeks is still a young player and looks like it at times, but he’s been one of the most impactful linebackers in the SEC.

LSU struggled at the linebacker position last year and his emergence was critical to LSU taking a step forward on the defensive side of the ball.

Weeks stood out in LSU’s win upset win over a top-10 Ole Miss team. The Tigers probably don’t win that game without him.

Entering LSU’s final regular season game vs. Oklahoma, Weeks ranks near the top of SEC leaderboards in key stats. We’ll take a look at where Weeks ranks among his peers before LSU kicks it off vs. Oklahoma on Saturday.

71 tackles – 2nd

According to PFF, Weeks has 71 solo tackles. Only Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell has more. Weeks is tied for seventh with 21 assisted tackles.

19 pressures – 3rd

With 19 pressures, Week’s ranks third among SEC linebackers. He plays with good speed and defensive coordinator Blake Baker makes the most of it, using Weeks in blitz packages.

3 sacks – 7th

Weeks hit home on three of those pressures, notching three sacks on the year. Weeks best game in this department came against Arkansas, with five pressures and a sack.

2 batted passes – 1st

Weeks is a good athlete and that allows him to create havoc in passing lanes. His two batted passes are tied with Georgia’s Smael Mondon for first in the SEC. He leads SEC linebackers with four pass breakups.

47 stops – 4th

Only three players in the SEC have more stops than Weeks, according to PFF.

LSU vs. Texas A&M: Preview and prediction ahead of Tigers’ pivotal Week 9 matchup

Here’s what to watch for when LSU and Texas A&M hit the field on Saturday night.

LSU and Texas A&M will battle for sole first place in the SEC on Saturday night. The two programs are the last remaining undefeated units in conference play and the winner enters the driver’s seat for a trip to Atlanta and the College Football Playoff.

Dating back to 2017, the Tigers and Aggies have traded wins. Texas A&M wins in College Station and LSU wins in Baton Rouge — that’s the script of the last six years.

LSU’s last win at Kyle Field was in November of 2016. It was the final game of Ed Orgeron’s interim stint before being named head coach, so it’s been a minute.

A&M is led by first-year head coach Mike Elko, a former assistant of Brian Kelly’s at Notre Dame. Elko had success at Duke and already has A&M on an upward swing.

Both teams are expecting to compete for the playoff late into November and a win on Saturday all but secures that.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when LSU and Texas A&M hit the field.

LSU vs. Texas A&M Betting lines

Spread: Texas A&M -1
Total: 54.5
Moneyline: Texas A&M -115

All College Football Odds via BetMGM.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The line moved in LSU’s favor throughout the week. LSU was a field goal underdog at one point, but A&M is only getting a point now, per BetMGM.

Vegas is expecting a close one with an implied score of 28-27.

Despite a 6-1 record, Texas A&M is 2-5 against the spread. The two covers came against Florida and Missouri, but A&M failed to cover against Mississippi State last week.

LSU began the year 0-4 ATS, but has covered three straight spreads. LSU is rounding into form, but Kelly and Tiger fans will hope for another step on Saturday.

As for the total, it reflects the balance both teams are playing with. LSU and A&M are playing good football on both sides of the ball right now.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

When LSU has the ball

LSU’s offensive line vs. Texas A&M’s defensive front is the matchup to watch.

A&M’s front seven is loaded with talent and the duo of Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton off the edge is dangerous. But LSU’s line isn’t new to this challenge,

The Tigers faced one of the SEC’s top pass rushes when it faced South Carolina and another good one against Ole Miss. LSU QB [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] has taken one sack all year and I expect LSU’s protection to hold up again on Saturday.

The real test is in the run game. LSU’s offensive line doesn’t get a consistent push against top defensive lines. According to GameOnPaper.com, LSU ranks 99th in rushing success rate — a mark that won’t get LSU where it wants to go.

A&M will be able to keep LSU off schedule and stuff a few runs, but LSU’s offense knows how to operate in passing downs.

That’s what this matchup comes down to. Can A&M cover LSU or get to Nussmeier when the Tigers get in 2nd and 3rd and long?

When Texas A&M has the ball

Mike Elko tabbed Colin Klein to run the Aggies’ offense. Game 1 was rough as A&M struggled to score against Notre Dame. But since Week 1, there’s been a steady improvement.

A&M showcases a balanced attack that ranks above average in EPA/run and EPA/pass. Connor Weigman is averaging over 10 yards per attempt since returning from injury and RB Le’Veon Moss has proven to be a bellcow in the backfield.

The key for LSU’s defense: ensuring efficient plays don’t turn into explosive plays.

Nearly 65% of Weigman’s passing attempts travel nine air yards or less. A&M will get the ball out quickly and hope its skill guys make a play. It’s on LSU’s secondary to prevent those plays from getting mad.

A&M can take the completions that are there, but LSU must limit the catch-and-run opportunities.

The same can be said for Moss running the ball. Four to five yards per carry is fine as long as he’s not ripping off 15-yard runs. If LSU tackles well, A&M has to earn its points drive after drive. I’m not sure the Aggie offense is ready to do that yet.

LSU vs. Texas A&M Prediction

If this comes down to what offense makes just enough plays to win, I trust LSU. Nussmeier gives LSU a reliable QB to come through on third down and Durham has the elusiveness to rip off big runs.

I think LB [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] continues to lead a defensive renaissance and LSU keeps the Aggie offense in check.

I like to cover and win, 27-23.

Spread Pick: LSU +1

Total pick: Under

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″]

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3 LSU football players to watch ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 9 matchup

Here are three LSU players to watch ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 9 primetime matchup

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) has won six consecutive games after falling to Notre Dame in the 2024 season opener.

The Aggies came out of Starkville (MS) with a 34-24 win over Mississippi State in Week 8 and will now host 8th-ranked LSU on Saturday night for a primetime matchup with plenty of postseason implications on the line.

This week, head coach Mike Elko and select players took questions from the media, previewing what looks like one of the year’s biggest games. Both teams are 6-1 and undefeated in SEC play.

For the Aggies to earn a victory, starting quarterback Conner Weigman will need to play with more confidence and better footwork. In contrast, Texas A&M’s pass rush will need to pressure LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier to make quick decisions in the pocket.

Look at the top LSU players the Aggies will face on Saturday night.

LB Whitt Weeks

After it was announced that linebacker and top pass rusher Harold Perkins Jr. would miss the rest of the 2024 regular season, LSU’s defense had to step up in his absence, especially at linebacker. Enter sophomore backer Whitt Weeks, who is currently second in the SEC in tackles (68), including his 18-tackle performance in LSU’s 29-26 OT win over Ole Miss.

Weeks’ speed, instincts, and enhanced pass rush prowess (2.5 sacks) could be a problem for the Aggie running game.

RB Caden Durham

LSU’s offense has become more balanced over the last three weeks, mainly due to dynamic freshman running back Caden Durham’s physical running style, pairing well with what wide receiver Kyren Lacy brings to the passing game.

While I could have easily chosen Lacy as the player to watch, LSU head coach Bryan Kelly will more than likely want to run the football early, meaning Texas A&M’s improved run defense needs to plug holes and, most importantly, set the edge early to force QB Garrett Nussmeier to pass more than he’d like.

In six games this season, Durham has rushed for 382 yards and six touchdowns with an impressive 6.2-yard per carry average.

QB Garrett Nussmeier

Junior LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier stayed the course the last two years after playing behind current Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels when he could have easily transferred elsewhere.

Through seven games this season, the junior signal-caller is a clear Heisman candidate, throwing for 2,222 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, consistently displacing impressive accuracy and ball placement, and is by far the team’s MVP and the main reason for the program’s 6-1 record.

Texas A&M’s secondary struggled in the first half against Mississippi State last Saturday, but it adjusted in the second half. However, facing Nussmeier and LSU’s bookend NFL-level tackles is by far the defenses’ most significant challenge this season.

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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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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Tigers see another boost in US LBM Coaches Poll after blowout win over Arkansas

The Tigers jumped Alabama after taking care of business against Arkansas.

It was a business-like win on the road for LSU in Week 8 against Arkansas.

The Tigers jumped out to a 10-0 lead early but allowed the Razorbacks to hang around into the second half before a [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] interception to set up a touchdown started to put the game out of reach. They ultimately pulled away to win 34-10.

They already ranked No. 8 in both polls entering the week, and now, they’ve moved up one spot in the US LBM Coaches Poll, jumping rival Alabama as the Crimson Tide fell at Tennessee. The Tigers are the third highest-ranked SEC team and one of four in the top 10.

In the AP Top 25, the Tigers didn’t move and remain No. 8. Here’s the full coaches poll entering Week 9.

Week 8 US LBM Coaches Poll

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

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