Shock at LSU: Star LB’s Injury Jeopardizes Showdown with Texas A&M

Here we are, folks—marching into a showdown that’s got all the makings of a Monday-morning water cooler classic. No. 3 Texas A&M, undefeated and strutting with a 7-0 record, is rolling into Baton Rouge to lock horns with No. 20 LSU, who’s looking to steady their ship after a rocky start at 5-2. Now, the Aggies are the favorites, sure; but LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly is feeling the heat—desperate to defend his turf and silence the doubters before the season slips away. The Tigers’ offense has been puzzling—loaded with talent but lacking the snap and pop you’d expect, especially up front against a ferocious Texas A&M defensive line led by Cashius Howell. And while LSU’s defense may have the chops to pressure A&M’s QB Marcel Reed, the Aggies have too many weapons on offense to simply be bottled up. Add to that a few key injuries on both sides and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just a game; it’s an inflection point for both programs. Buckle up, because this clash promises fireworks. LEARN MORE

No. 3 Texas A&M (7-0, 4-0 SEC) will head to Baton Rouge to face No. 20 LSU (5-2, 2-2 SEC) on Saturday night. While the Aggies are national favorites to pull off the win, LSU head coach Brian Kelly is already on the hot seat after the disappointing start to the year, and is desperate to protect home field against one of the top teams in the country.

LSU’s lack of explosiveness on offense has been confusing, given the talent at wide receiver and running back, and outside of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s lack of deep ball accuracy, these problems start along the offensive line, which will now face Texas A&M’s deep, fast, and violent defensive line, led by senior edge Cashius Howell.

However, LSU’s 26th-ranked defense, led by cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and DJ Pickett, will challenge starting quarterback Marcel Reed, but knowing that transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver can’t both be shut down, this provides OC Collin Klein plenty of opportunities to call a balanced game, starting with a solid rushing performance.

Injury-wise, Thursday’s latest report matches Wednesday’s SEC Availability Report, as senior running back Le’Veon Moss, senior safety Bryce Anderson, and freshman safety Rashad “Tom Tom” Johnson Jr. are listed as out and will miss Saturday’s game.

For LSU, starting left tackle Tyree Adams is out, and star linebacker Whitt Weeks is doubtful and not expected to play, which is a big blow for the Tigers.

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