Week 9 of the college football season is here and the premier SEC matchup on Saturday is LSU vs. Texas A&M. Take a look at our betting guide for all the ins and outs of this Top 25 matchup! Best of luck with your picks this week!
Oddsmakers are expecting a tight game between these two SEC rivals, as the opening number was Texas A&M -3 last Sunday afternoon. Sharp bettors immediately pounded LSU, so much so that the line is now sitting at Texas A&M -2.5 as of Tuesday afternoon.
There hasn't been much interest in the total, but that could change as the week goes on. Most online sportsbooks opened the total at 53.5 and that's still where it sits at the majority of shops. There are a couple of 54s out there if you have any interest in betting the Under.
While several experts had their doubts about Garrett Nussmeier, he's silenced them all in 2024. It's never easy replacing a Heisman Trophy winner, but the 6'2" junior is the main reason that LSU is currently sitting at 6-1 on the year.
Nussmeier has thrown for 2,222 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he won't be shy about taking a few shots at this Texas A&M secondary. His favorite target has been Kyren Lacy, who has already hauled in 36 receptions for 512 yards and 6 touchdowns. Caden Durham has also helped out in the running game by rushing for 382 yards and 6 scores.
The Tigers' defense has been stout against the run, but their secondary has been susceptible to the big play through the air. LSU currently ranks just 96th in yards per pass allowed this season. Bradyn Swinson is the main producer of this unit, as he's already registered 7 sacks.
Texas A&M started off their season with a disappointing loss to Notre Dame at home. While that loss made the natives restless, the Aggies have responded by rattling off 6 straight wins. The most impressive of those victories was when they drubbed then-No. 9 Mizzou to the tune of 41-10 back on October 5th.
The Aggies have been getting it done in an old-school fashion by running the football and playing good defense. A&M runs the ball over 62% of the time (11th in the nation) and their defense is only allowing 19 points per game (16th). Le'Veon Moss has been the key to this offense, as he's run for 674 yards and 8 touchdowns this year.
The Aggies' defense has done a terrific job of getting off the field on third down, as they rank an impressive 7th in that crucial category. Marcus Ratcliffe has been the leader of the secondary and he's already picked off 3 passes this year.
This is a tough game to handicap, but I'm going to roll with the Aggies in this spot. While LSU may have the more talented overall roster, Kyle Field is one of the toughest places to play in all of college football.
While most folks only factor in two points or so for home-field advantage, I usually give A&M four points in night games. I respect LSU's offensive prowess, but this will be the best defense they've come up against this season. Let's lay the points with the Aggies and hope that the 12th man will be louder than ever! Good luck!