On paper, No. 6 LSU’s recreation against Texas A&M ought to be a straightforward win.
But Tigers’ coach Brian Kelly is aware of higher than to underestimate the Aggies regardless of their struggles this season.
“This is as arguably as talented as a football team as we’ll see all year,” Kelly stated. “They’re young in some areas, but it doesn’t take away from the talent that they have on the field… against LSU, their rival, they’ll play their absolute best against us. … They don’t have the wins that they wanted, but all they need (now) is one, and that’s to beat LSU.”
The expertise that had the individuals anticipating Texas A&M to compete for the SEC West title this season hasn’t panned out. The Aggies (4-7, 1-6 SEC) received’t qualify for a bowl recreation for the primary time since going 4-8 in 2008.
The Tigers (9-2, 6-1, No. 5 CFP), winners of 5 straight, have already secured a spot within the SEC title recreation against top-ranked Georgia however should maintain enterprise against lowly Texas A&M to have any likelihood of creating the College Football Playoff. The Aggies snapped a six-game skid with a sloppy win over UMass final week and hope to construct on that victory Saturday as they wrap up this disappointing season.
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher is making an attempt to hold feelings out of issues this week and is imploring his group to do all it might to cap the season on a optimistic word.
“I think it’s huge for the future of what we have here, which we think is extremely bright,” he stated. “It would be great for those seniors and a great message for those young players going into this offseason.”
Texas A&M offensive linemen Layden Robinson has taken the message from Fisher to coronary heart and expects the Aggies to play effectively of their finale.
“The mindset is to finish — finish strong,” he stated. “I feel like this team will have a great game on Saturday… We are playing a great LSU team, but they are going to get the best from us as well.”
A victory would give LSU its first 10-win yr since going 15-0 in its nationwide championship season in 2019. But Kelly has his sights set on larger targets than merely reaching the double-digit win mark.
“I don’t think they give you any ticker-tape parades or anything, but 10 wins is certainly a benchmark when people look back on seasons,” he stated. “You know, I think it does a lot in terms of solidifying your postseason opportunities”
RISING CAIN
LSU working again Noah Cain, a Penn State switch lured again to his native state by Kelly, had certainly one of his busiest and finest video games of his first season with the Tigers final weekend and may very well be relied upon once more this week.
His 13 carries against UAB had been a season excessive and his 76 yards dashing had been highlighted by three quick landing runs. He now leads LSU working backs in TDs dashing with seven.
LSU is banged up on the working again place. Armoni Goodwin is out for the season. Josh Williams couldn’t play final week due to a knee damage and his readiness for the Aggies stays to be seen. So if LSU has to depend on Cain, Kelly is OK with it.
“He is not flashy. I don’t think he is going to be a guy that makes a ton of people miss, but does he really have to?” Kelly stated. “He plays with low pads. He is physical. He is smart. He catches the ball coming out of the back field. He is reliable in pass protection, and he is tough to bring down. I mean, I just think I mentioned four or five things that are pretty good to have.”
COMING BACK?
Texas A&M’s offense was lacking its finest two gamers in Saturday’s 20-3 win over UMass with main rusher Devon Achane and high receiver Evan Stewart out with accidents.
Fisher stated this week that he’s “very optimistic” that the pair can return against the Tigers.
Achane has missed two video games with a foot damage and Stewart sat out final week after taking a success to the top two weeks in the past against Auburn.
Achane has 887 yards dashing and his 98.6 yards a recreation common ranks third within the SEC. Stewart ranks fifth within the SEC with 67.4 yards receiving a recreation and his 607 yards receiving are first amongst freshmen within the convention.
HOT HOUSE
LSU’s protection has been thriving below first-year coordinator Matt House.
House joined LSU after spending three years as linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs – a stint that included two Chiefs’ Super Bowl appearances and one title. This week, he was named a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, introduced to faculty soccer’s high assistant coach.
The LSU protection ranks fourth within the SEC with averages of 338.5 yards and 20 factors allowed per recreation and has taken the ball away from opponents 16 occasions this season, which ranks sixth within the league.
His efficiency led to questions this week about his potential candidacy for head teaching openings elsewhere.
“If Matt House gets an opportunity where he thinks he is going to be better for it, I will help him in any way possible,” Kelly stated. “That’s part of this profession.”
“I don’t know that Matt House came here to be the defensive coordinator for (just) a year,” Kelly continued, noting that he thinks House and his household “prefer it right here.
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AP Sports Writer Brett Martel contributed to this report.
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