Tony Thomas
Author
#3 Texas A&M vs #20 LSU
Date: Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM CST
Venue: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
T.V.: ABC
Betting Odds: Texas A&M is a -2.5 point-favorite
It is the grandest edifice in the Southeastern Conference. Hallowed ground of gridiron glory. In football lore it is called Death Valley. But that is a spirited nickname. The real moniker of this iconic venue is Tiger Stadium.
But in this valley, a reaper lurks in the shadows, ready to turn opponents dream of victory into nightmares. The Aggies of Texas A&M have suffered this recurring night terror for the last 30+ years. Not once since Sep. 3, 1994 has Texas A&M left this field victorious, neither in daylight nor darkness.
The reaper points toward the maroon and white on the opposing sideline and the souls of the Aggies are cast away in defeat. “And Tho the LSU Tigers walk in the valley of the shadow of death; they will fear no evil.”
The Aggies are ranked in the Top 3 for the first time since 1995, and 7-0 for the first time since ’94. A good reason for those lofty accomplishments is quarterback Marcel Reed.
Reed has accounted for over 2,000 yards of total offense and 19 total touchdowns. In the win over Arkansas, Reed accounted for four touchdowns and completed 71.9 percent of his passes.
Reed’s perimeter weapons of Mario Craver and KC Concepcion have combined for 68 catches, 1,168 yards and 10 touchdowns. Craver leads the SEC in receiving yards.
The Aggie defense, shades of the “Wrecking Crew” of that ’94 season, is ranked nationally in sacks (#6), tackles for loss (#6) and opponents 3rd down conversions (#2).
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers are coming off a 31-24 defeat at the hands of Vanderbilt, a team that had not beaten the Tigers in 35 years. The Commodores controlled the football the entire game, as evidenced by their 13- minute advantage in time of possession.
Nussmeier threw two TD passes and no INTs vs Vanderbilt and completed 68 percent of his passes. For the season, Nussmeier has thrown for 1,638 yards, 11 TDs and five INTs, with a completion percentage of 66 percent.
There is much concern in the LSU rushing attack. LSU is ranked 15th in the SEC in rushing offense with 112 yards per game on the ground. In addition, the Tigers have not scored a rushing touchdown in two consecutive games. So, Nussmeier and the passing attack have had to carry the offense for much of the season.
Wide receiver Zavion Thomas (4 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD) and tight end Trey’Dez Green (5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD) stood out for the Tigers against the Commodores.
The LSU defense remains stingy in giving up points. They currently rank ninth in the FBS with 14.6 points per game allowed. The Tigers lead the SEC in passes defended and is third in INTs with eight.
100,000+ die-hard, hell-raising ticket holders, plus another 40,000 fans who just show up as the best tailgaters in college football, will be loud and proud when the Tigers emerge from the tunnel. The 12th man, clad in maroon and white, will be muffled and silent.
The reaper in the shadows of the valley of death awaits to cast the souls of the Aggies away in defeat, once more.
Final Score: LSU 27 – Texas A&M 24
2026 3-star safety Khmari Bing has committed to Ohio State, according to ON3 Insider Hayes Fawcett. Bing was previously committed to Maryland and held offers from 17 other schools, including Alabama, Auburn, and Miami. Bing attends St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. Khmari Bing is the third commitment for Matt Guerrieri and the Buckeyes’ safety […]
The series record between LSU and Vanderbilt is lopsided in the Tigers favor, but the Commodores are the darlings of the SEC in 2025.
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