In a thrilling Week 9 SEC matchup, No. 14 Texas A&M surged past No. 8 LSU, winning 38-23 and taking sole possession of the undefeated record in Southeastern Conference play. Head coach Mike Elko’s bold mid-game decision to bench starting quarterback Conner Weigman for backup Marcel Reed was instrumental in turning around a 10-point deficit and lifting the Aggies to their seventh straight victory.
The Aggies’ season under first-year head coach Mike Elko has been defined by resilience and big moments, and this game was no exception. Down 17-7 in the third quarter, Texas A&M was struggling offensively when Elko made the strategic switch to Reed, who had previously filled in as a starter earlier in the season when Weigman was injured. The impact was immediate: Reed rushed for three touchdowns and guided the Aggies on four consecutive scoring drives, electrifying a home crowd of over 108,000 at Kyle Field.
The Aggies (7-1, 5-0 SEC) now sit undefeated in conference play for the first time in program history and are eyeing their first-ever SEC Championship Game appearance. Meanwhile, LSU (6-2, 3-1 SEC) suffered its first conference loss, unable to overcome a series of errors and missed opportunities.
With about eight minutes left in the third quarter and LSU holding a 17-7 lead, Texas A&M’s defense sparked a game-changing moment. Defensive back BJ Mayes intercepted LSU’s quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and returned the ball to the Tigers’ 8-yard line. Reed entered the game and immediately ran in a touchdown, narrowing LSU’s lead to 17-14.
LSU’s next attempt to respond unraveled with a botched 46-yard field goal attempt. The mishap gave the Aggies an opening, and they seized it. Reed scored again on an 8-yard run to give Texas A&M its first lead of the night at 21-17. Mayes struck again shortly afterward with another interception, allowing Reed to capitalize with his third rushing touchdown early in the fourth, extending the Aggies’ lead to 28-17.
Nussmeier, despite a strong first half, struggled in the third and fourth quarters. Although he completed 25 of 50 passes for a total of 405 yards and two touchdowns, his three second-half interceptions were costly. LSU had brief hopes of a comeback after Nussmeier’s 1-yard touchdown run cut the lead to 28-23, but a failed two-point conversion attempt kept them within reach but just short of regaining momentum.
On the ensuing drive, Texas A&M further dampened LSU’s comeback hopes. Reed showcased his arm with a 54-yard pass to receiver Noah Thomas, setting up Le’Veon Moss’s second touchdown run of the night, pushing the score to 35-23. Moments later, another interception on LSU’s following possession dashed the Tigers’ remaining hopes and solidified the Aggies’ victory.
Reed’s unexpected performance was impressive: he finished with 62 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while going 2-for-2 in passing for 70 yards. Weigman, who was 6-of-18 for only 64 yards before being pulled, watched from the sidelines as Reed powered the Aggies to an emotional victory.
With this win, Texas A&M has now reached a 5-0 record in SEC play for the first time, an achievement that has rejuvenated fans and raised expectations. The Aggies are seeking their first appearance in the SEC Championship Game, a prospect that seemed far-fetched before Elko’s arrival and Jimbo Fisher’s mid-season departure.
The Tigers had several missed opportunities throughout the game, including two failed field goal attempts in the second quarter. Damian Ramos missed from 48 and 49 yards, preventing LSU from extending their early lead. A&M’s defense also capitalized on LSU’s miscues, resulting in three critical turnovers that helped turn the tide.
This game serves as a testament to Elko’s leadership in his first season at Texas A&M. Under his guidance, the Aggies have adopted a resilient mindset, looking stronger each week. With the win over LSU, the Aggies continue their march toward a potential SEC Championship Game, defying expectations and establishing themselves as one of the toughest teams in the conference.
Elko was clearly proud of his team’s progress: “This is the kind of effort and belief we’ve been building all season. I couldn’t be prouder of these guys for fighting through and making a statement in front of our fans.” As Texas A&M looks ahead, the Aggies’ determination to chase down their first SEC title remains as strong as ever.
