COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Quarterback Marcel Reed stepped in to deliver a stellar performance with three rushing touchdowns in the second half as No. 14 Texas A&M secured a 38-23 victory over eighth-ranked LSU on Saturday night, marking them as the sole undefeated team in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.
With this win, the Aggies improved to a record of 7-1 overall and 5-0 in conference action, following an impressive run of seven straight victories since an opening loss to Notre Dame. After halftime, Texas A&M’s defense proved formidable, intercepting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier three times. This win, under the guidance of new head coach Mike Elko—who took over after the firing of Jimbo Fisher—is a significant achievement, as the Aggies scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives after Reed replaced starting quarterback Conner Weigman in the third quarter. The popular showing attracted a lively crowd of 108,852 fans in attendance, celebrating the Aggies’ first 5-0 record in SEC play, with hopes of reaching their inaugural appearance at the conference championship game.
LSU had a strong start, leading by 10 points less than eight minutes into the third quarter. However, defensive back BJ Mayes made a critical interception, returning the ball to the Tigers’ 8-yard line. Reed entered the game and made an immediate impact, scoring on a keeper just one play later, narrowing Texas A&M’s deficit to 17-14. LSU missed an opportunity to increase their lead when a botched snap on a 46-yard field goal attempt left the play unproductive. Reed followed this with another rushing touchdown, making it 21-17 by the end of the quarter.
Mayes picked off Nussmeier again shortly after Reed’s second touchdown, setting up the Aggies for another scoring opportunity. Reed’s third touchdown came early in the fourth quarter on a 4-yard run, extending the lead. Despite LSU’s Nussmeier managing a 1-yard touchdown run with ten minutes left, the subsequent 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 28-23. Texas A&M responded decisively with a 3-yard touchdown run from Le’Veon Moss on the next series, furthering the lead to 35-23 and setting the stage after Reed’s impressive plays, including a 54-yard pass to Noah Thomas and crucial yardage gained on the ground.
Nussmeier struggled, completing 25 passes out of 50 attempts for a total of 405 yards, along with two touchdown passes and three interceptions, marking a challenging night for LSU’s offense. The Tigers initially took the lead with Mason Taylor’s 2-yard touchdown reception, capitalizing on a fumble by Moss deep in Aggies territory. Texas A&M responded late in the first with a touchdown from Moss on a 7-yard run, putting them back in contention.
The Aggies showed offensive prowess with Reed under center, revealing a potent offense that might lay claim to him as the starting quarterback going forward. Conversely, LSU’s Nussmeier will need to sharpen his decision-making skills to help the Tigers rebound and remain in the race for the conference championship.
As for the rankings, Texas A&M is likely to climb higher after this victory, while LSU is anticipated to slide down the list. Looking ahead, LSU will host No. 15 Arkansas on November 9, while Texas A&M will travel to South Carolina next Saturday.