No. 14 Texas A&M Defeats No. 8 LSU in College Station

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The Southeastern Conference has a new leader. On Oct. 26, the No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies ( 7-1, 5-0) defeated the No. 8 LSU Tigers (6-2, 3-1) by a score of 38-23 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. The Aggies took advantage of turnovers to run away with the win. With the win, the Aggies are in sole possession of first place in the SEC.

LSU at Texas A&M

LSU started the game strong, leading the Aggies 17-7 at the half. That lead came in part to a strong first-half performance from LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier and the struggles of Aggies QB Conner Weigman.

The second half didn't go as well as the first for Nussmeier. The LSU quarterback threw 3 interceptions, all three leading to points for the Aggies. The Aggies, on the other hand, replaced Weigman with Marcel Reed at quarterback in the third quarter, and he played the remainder of the game. Reed finished the game with 70 passing yards, 62 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.

Turning Point

Texas A&M defensive back DJ Mayes picked off Nussmeier early in the third quarter. The turnover led to 7 points and shifted the momentum in favor of the Aggies.

Texas A&M intercepted Nussmeier two more times, including another from Mayes, leading to 10 more points for the Aggies. The turnovers on their own side of the field were too much for the Tigers to overcome.

What It Means

With this win, the Aggies now control their own destiny in regard to both the SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff birth. The Aggies have a favorable schedule moving forward that includes conference games against South Carolina (4-3, 2-3), Auburn (3-5, 1-4) and No. 5 Texas (7-1, 3-1). The renewed rivalry between the Aggies and Longhorns could have huge implications in the SEC and playoff race.

The Tigers still have the opportunity for the SEC Championship and a playoff appearance. While now having two total losses, LSU only has one SEC loss, making their path to the SEC Championship game still possible. The Tigers will next have a bye week before facing the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2, 3-1). The Tigers will then finish out the season with Florida (4-3, 2-2), No. 25 Vanderbilt (5-3, 2-2) and Oklahoma (4-4, 1-4).