By TODD HORNE, Executive Editor

Game Details

Matchup: No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies (7-0, 4-0 SEC) vs. No. 20 LSU Tigers (5-2, 2-2 SEC) Date/Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. ET Location: Tiger Stadium (Death Valley), Baton Rouge, La. (Capacity: 102,321) Broadcast: ABC Betting Odds (as of Oct. 23): Texas A&M -2.5 | O/U 50.5 | Moneyline: A&M -130 / LSU +110 

Stakes

A win keeps A&M undefeated and in the driver’s seat for the SEC Championship Game and a potential College Football Playoff bye. LSU, reeling from a shocking loss to Vanderbilt, desperately needs a signature victory to salvage its season and boost playoff hopes under Brian Kelly.

This primetime showdown features Mike Elko’s disciplined Aggies against a Tigers squad fighting inconsistency and injuries. A&M enters as the SEC’s last unbeaten team, boasting a top-tier offense and stout run defense. LSU relies on its elite scoring defense but struggles to protect QB Garrett Nussmeier due to offensive line issues. Expect a gritty, physical battle under the lights.

Texas A&M Aggies: Overview and Recent Form

The Aggies are the SEC’s surprise juggernaut in Year 2 under Elko. They ride a seven-game win streak that includes impressive victories over Notre Dame (41-40) and a thrilling 45-42 shootout at Arkansas last Saturday.

Key Points:

• Offensive Balance: A&M ranks 17th nationally in total offense (464 ypg) and 27th in scoring (36.1 ppg), led by dual-threat QB Marcel Reed and a strong ground game.
• Defensive Strength: They excel in third-down stops, ranking 2nd nationally by allowing just 22.7% conversions.

Offense Breakdown

• Passing Game:
  • QB Marcel Reed: 61.9% completion rate, 1,770 yards, 15 TDs, 4 INTs (267.3 ypg)
  • WR Mario Craver: 35 receptions, 668 yards, 4 TDs
• Rushing Attack:
  • RB Rueben Owens: 70 carries, 396 yards, 3 TDs
  • Team Average: 196.7 ypg (Top 5 in SEC)
• Red Zone Efficiency: 85% TD rate, but penalties are a weakness (116th nationally).

Defense Breakdown

• Run Defense: Allows 126.9 ypg (46th), led by LB duo Taurean York and Scooby Williams.
• Pass Defense: 200.9 ypg allowed (46th), strong against rhythm passers.
• Turnover Margin: +6 (top-20).

Recent Performance

A&M’s 45-42 win over Arkansas showcased Reed’s poise and Owens’ clutch runs. The defense forced two turnovers in the red zone. Before that, they routed Mississippi State 31-9.

Injuries

Significant losses include:

• S Bryce Anderson (shoulder) – out
• S Rashad Johnson Jr. (knee) – out
• RB Le’Veon Moss (ankle) – sidelined

Key Players to Watch

• QB Marcel Reed: Dual-threat X-factor.
• WR Mario Craver: Deep threat.
• LB Taurean York: Tackles for loss leader and defensive captain.

LSU Tigers: Overview and Recent Form

Brian Kelly’s Tigers started strong at 4-0 but stumbled with a 24-19 loss at Ole Miss, followed by a rebound 20-10 win over South Carolina, and a humiliating 31-24 upset to Vanderbilt.

Key Points:

• Offensive Struggles: 84th in ypg at 366.3, plagued by a weak run game (117th at 112.9 ypg).
• Defensive Strength: 9th in scoring at 14.6 ppg allowed, led by a strong front seven.

Offense Breakdown

• Passing Game:
  • QB Garrett Nussmeier: 66.4% completion rate, 1,638 yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs.
• Rushing Attack:
  • RB Caden Durham: 342 yards (74 carries, 2 TDs) – team lacks depth.
• Red Zone Efficiency: 42% TD conversion rate, struggles on third downs (42%).

Defense Breakdown

• Run Defense: Elite at 122 ypg allowed (40th), led by LB Harold Perkins Jr.
• Pass Defense: 189.6 ypg allowed (32nd), generates pressure effectively.
• Turnover Margin: +3, forcing 10 turnovers.

Recent Performance

The Vanderbilt loss exposed vulnerabilities. Nussmeier faced constant pressure, while Durham struggled to run effectively.

Injuries

Significant losses include:

• LB Whit Weeks (doubtful)
• DT Bernard Gooden (questionable)
• LT Tyree Adams (out)

Key Players to Watch

• LB Harold Perkins Jr.: Defensive anchor.
• QB Garrett Nussmeier: Must stay upright.
• RB Caden Durham: Needs to spark the ground game.

Head-to-Head Matchups

• A&M Run vs. LSU Front Seven: Even, leans A&M if injuries bite.
• LSU Pass vs. A&M Secondary: Edge to A&M.
• Time of Possession Battle: Edge to A&M.
• Turnovers and Third Downs: Edge to A&M.

Keys to the Game

1. Protect the Edges: LSU’s O-line must contain A&M’s EDGE rushers.
2. Establish the Run Early: Winning the ground game controls tempo.
3. Night Game Magic: The crowd’s impact could test A&M’s discipline.
4. Explosive Plays: A&M’s deep shots vs. LSU’s containment strategies.

Prediction

Texas A&M 31, LSU 24. The Aggies’ balance and health give them the edge, but the game will remain close. Reed’s legs will prove decisive, leading A&M to stay undefeated.