Five takeaways from Texas A&M’s huge home win over LSU

And then there was one.

The No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies were able to rally from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the No. 8 LSU Tigers 38-23 and take sole possession of first place in the SEC standings.

The Aggies have won seven straight games and are now the only SEC team that is undefeated against their conference opponents.

In a game that was a sure rollercoaster for the 12th man, this has to be a positive going forward as the Aggies focus on defending their undefeated conference record.

Until then, here are five takeaways from Texas A&M’s win against LSU:

Is there still a quarterback debate in College Station?

As is the case the last two games, Conner Weigman started for the Aggies tonight.

The only thing was that it didn’t turn out the way Mike Elko probably expected.

Weigman had trouble hitting his receivers in the first half, as the Tigers’ defense limited him to six completions in 18 attempts for 64 yards. Fortunately, there were no interceptions, but the redshirt quarterback’s production wasn’t there.

Enter Marcel Reed…again.

Reed got the nod for the second half, as Mike Elko stated that the passing game “wasn’t working” and needed Reed’s mobility in the backfield.

And boy, did he get it.

Right off the bat, Reed found his way into the end zone for the Aggie score, one of three rushing scores he had tonight. He finished with nine carries for 62 yards and three touchdowns.

Passing-wise, Reed only threw two passes, completing both for 70 yards, including a 54-yard rainbow that landed directly into the arms of Noah Thomas. Needless to say, he was a crucial part of the Aggie’s win tonight, and it will be interesting to see who Elko puts under center to start the game against South Carolina.

Run TAMC Strikes again

After taking some of the load off against Mississippi State last week, the Aggies’ direct running game returned this week against the Tigers, in the form of yards and points, combining for 242 yards and five touchdowns. Amari Daniels led the way with 91 yards on a dozen carries, Le’Veon Moss had 14 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns and, as mentioned above, Marcel Reed contributed 62 yards and three touchdowns in his half of work. As is the case with any SEC game, trust your running game and reap the benefits.

You’re coming for the twelfth man, you better not get lost

Garrett Nussmeier isn’t the only quarterback playing for an SEC team called the Tigers that has tested the 12 Man’s volume levels this season.

In an interview earlier this week, when asked about the atmosphere, Nussmeier responded that “Kyle Field was loud, but it’s not Death Valley,” referring to LSU’s home stadium, Tiger Stadium.

And history seems to have repeated itself.

LSU was hit with one false start after another. “Mo Bamba” blared through Kyle Field’s speakers at deafening volume throughout the game. A decibel reader reads 114 decibels. The Tigers struggled to get anything going in the second half, as Nussmeier threw a trio of interceptions that sent the six-figure crowd into an absolute frenzy.

It will be interesting to see if anyone from the state of New Mexico or Texas tries to intimidate the 12th man. As Missouri and LSU found out the hard way, you’re in for a long game if you do.

Halftime defensive adjustments are important again

This was also the story last week at Mississippi State. The team will allow big passing plays in the first half and then become all-out defense in the second half. Tonight was another excellent example of that. Garrett Nussmeier finished the game with 405 passing yards and threw both of his touchdown passes in the first half.

Then came the second part and the roles were reversed.

Nussmeier threw a trio of picks in the second half, including two to BJ Mayes and one to Taurean York late in the quarter, which essentially sealed the deal for an Aggie victory.

Of course, Mike Elko and Jay Bateman will want these guys to form two solid defensive halves going forward, but with the defense performing only in the second half, maybe they can let the first half slide a little.

The head of the table at the SEC

The Aggies are now the only undefeated team in the SEC conference. This is big news now, but there is now a major target on the back of the Maroon and White. A target that South Carolina, Auburn and Texas will surely shoot at.

If the Aggies hold their ground and do what they’ve been doing on both sides of the ball, they should have no problem winning, even against the Longhorns, and even lock themselves in the SEC Championship game when the smoke clears.

But unfortunately, this is the SEC, and it’s much easier said than done.

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