LSU vs. Texas A&M College Football Week 9 Picks: Which Winning Streak Ends?

LSU Dominated Arkansas

Caden Durham powered LSU’s offense with 101 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Damian Ramos nailed a career-high four field goals, leading the Tigers to a 34-10 victory over Arkansas on Saturday night.

LSU continued their dominance in the Battle for The Golden Boot, capturing their eighth win in the last nine matchups with the Razorbacks. The Tigers have now won five straight games in Fayetteville, a streak that dates back to 2016.

Defensively, LSU found a key moment in the third quarter when Whit Weeks, the SEC’s leading tackler, intercepted a Taylen Green pass inside the Arkansas 5-yard line. On the very next play, Durham punched it in from two yards out, extending LSU’s lead to 24-10 with 4:52 left in the third quarter.

Ramos, who had a game-winning field goal against the Razorbacks in 2023, remained reliable by connecting on kicks from 33, 33, 47, and 48 yards. His last field goal improved his season tally to 12 out of 14 attempts.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier contributed with 233 passing yards, and CJ Daniels led the receiving corps with seven catches for 86 yards. Whit Weeks continued to shine on defense, tallying nine tackles and a sack to go along with his interception.

Despite struggling with penalties, LSU’s offense found a rhythm. The Tigers were flagged 11 times, with eight penalties coming in the first half, including seven false starts. However, Durham’s 100-yard rushing performance marked his second in three games.

LSU’s defense held strong, allowing just 277 total yards while forcing three turnovers. The Tigers cruised to their sixth straight win, maintaining control on the road.

Texas A&M Has Won Six Straight Games

Le’Veon Moss rushed for two touchdowns as Texas A&M outlasted Mississippi State 34-24.

Moss gained 65 yards on 17 carries, with his three-yard touchdown run providing a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter.

Returning from a shoulder injury, Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman completed 15 of 25 passes for 217 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Jabre Barber was his go-to target, catching six passes for 92 yards.

The Aggies, now riding a six-game winning streak since their Week 1 loss to Notre Dame, finished with 367 total yards of offense compared to Mississippi State’s 353. Texas A&M excelled on third downs, converting 9 of 14, including nine of their first 11 attempts.

Defensively, the Aggies controlled the trenches, recording three sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Barber led the receiving group, while Noah Thomas added a 20-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. In total, eight Aggies hauled in at least one reception.

Key Matchups

Both teams are riding winning streaks, with LSU’s well-balanced offense and opportunistic defense poised to face off against a Texas A&M team that has leaned heavily on its ground game and stout defensive front.

LSU has won six in a row, while Texas A&M brings a six-game win streak of their own into this contest. The battle in the trenches and the ability to limit mistakes will likely decide this matchup.

Caden Durham vs. Texas A&M’s Defensive Front

LSU’s Durham has been in fine form, posting his second 100-yard game in three outings. Texas A&M’s front seven, which racked up 11 tackles for loss against Mississippi State, will be the toughest test he’s faced recently.

If the Aggies can bottle up Durham and limit LSU’s ground game, it will force Nussmeier to carry the offense. Durham’s ability to break free, especially on early downs, will be crucial for LSU to avoid third-and-long situations against a fierce Aggies defense.

Texas A&M’s Running Game vs. LSU’s Defensive Line

Moss has been the workhorse for Texas A&M, and his ability to churn out tough yards will be key to controlling the pace of the game. LSU’s defense, which forced three turnovers against Arkansas, will look to stop Moss and make Texas A&M one-dimensional.

The Tigers have proven they can be opportunistic, so any struggles in the Aggies’ run game could lead to mistakes from Weigman, who has been inconsistent since returning from injury.

Garrett Nussmeier vs. Texas A&M Secondary

Nussmeier’s 233 passing yards against Arkansas demonstrated his ability to stretch the field, and Daniels has become a reliable target. Texas A&M’s secondary, which allowed Mississippi State to keep the game close, will need to be sharp.

If Nussmeier can find Daniels and spread the ball around, it could put the Aggies’ defense on its heels, especially if they are too focused on stopping Durham.

Whit Weeks vs. Texas A&M’s Offensive Line

Weeks has been LSU’s defensive anchor, with an interception and nine tackles in his last outing. Weeks will be critical in both stopping Moss and applying pressure on Weigman. Texas A&M’s offensive line will have to account for Weeks’ ability to disrupt both the pass and the run game, especially on key third downs.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Ramos has been automatic for LSU, connecting on 12 of 14 field goals this season, including a career-high four in his last game. His reliability could be a difference-maker if this game turns into a defensive struggle. Texas A&M, which has had issues with turnovers, will need to avoid giving LSU short fields, as Ramos will capitalize on those chances.

The Pick

This game is likely to be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams relying on their defense to limit big plays. LSU’s ability to run the ball with Durham, combined with Nussmeier’s playmaking ability, will give them a slight edge.

Texas A&M’s defense will put up a fight, but their reliance on the run and inconsistent passing attack could struggle to find consistent success against LSU’s opportunistic defense.

Texas A&M will keep it close with a strong running game, but turnovers and key stops by Weeks and the LSU defense will prove decisive in the Tigers’ seventh consecutive win.

College Football Pick: LSU ML (+130) at BetOnline

LSU ML (+130)

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