Texas A&M Aggies and LSU Tigers are set for a rivalry SEC matchup on Saturday night in Death Valley.
Despite it only being Week 4, both Texas A&M and LSU will be playing with a heightened sense of urgency due to the fact that both teams are coming off a loss. The Aggies were upset by Kentucky at home last week, while the Tigers lost an instant classic to Ole Miss in Oxford.
With kick-off slated for 7:30 PM ET on ABC, it’s time to break down the odds and go over the best bets to make.
Texas A&M vs. LSU betting picks and predictions
Texas A&M +8.5 (-110)
Both Texas A&M and LSU are desperate for bounce-back wins, with the winner earning its first SEC win of the season while the loser will drop to 0-2 in conference play and be in a serious hole.
With so much on the line, we could have a closely-contested, physical battle from start to finish. In that scenario, grabbing the 8.5 points with Texas A&M is the way to go.
LSU played a highly-emotional game last week against Ole Miss in Oxford. It was the type of game that drains a lot out of a team, especially when they lose. LSU looked flat from the start, and while they mounted a comeback in the second half, it was ultimately too little too late.
What’s concerning LSU right now is that a true WR1 has yet to emerge. TE Trey’Dez Green is LSU’s leading receiver, but he has already been ruled out with a knee injury. That is a significant loss, and leaves Sam Leavitt with some question marks in the passing game.
Leavitt never looked comfortable in the pocket against Ole Miss, and often bailed out looking to run before he needed to. He rarely went through his progressions in an efficient manner, which made the Tiger offense just a little too predictable. In the end, Leavitt had more rushing attempts (17) than completions (16), and he managed just 158 yards through the air.
That should give bettors some pause when considering laying more than a touchdown with the Tigers. Take the points with the Aggies.
Under 51.5 (-105)
These teams tend to play high-scoring games. The last five matchups have all gone over the listed total, but sometimes you have to zig when the trends say to zag.
This game could be of the lower-scoring variety for a number of reasons. Most notably, last week revealed that both of these quarterbacks have significant limitations.
As previously mentioned, Leavitt hasn’t looked comfortable in Baton Rouge just yet. He threw three interceptions against Louisiana Tech and then never really found a groove against Ole Miss. Things won’t get any easier going up against a stout Texas A&M defense.
On the other side, Reed is coming off a rough day against Kentucky in which he completed just 53% of his passes and threw two interceptions. He’s never been overly efficient, as his career completion percentage sits just above 60%. Like Leavitt, Reed also loves to utilize his legs, which could lead to the clock running early and often in this contest.
Additionally, both defenses will likely have some extra juice coming off such rough performances last week. LSU let Trinidad Chambliss do whatever he wanted, and Texas A&M gave up 31 points and over 400 yards of offense to a rebuilding Kentucky outfit.
With a total of 51.5, look to the under.
Marcel Reed Under 32.5 rushing yards (-120)
Marcel Reed ran wild in last year’s matchup against LSU. In total, he ran for a season-high 108 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Simply put, I expect the Tigers to be better prepared this time around.
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is among the best defensive minds in the country, and he undoubtedly learned many lessons from last year’s letdown against Reed and the Aggies.
The Tigers held Trinidad Chambliss to 2 rushing TDs last week, and have plenty of athleticism all over their defensive depth chart. Look for Baker to have his troops prepared to contain Reed in this one.
Read more college football picks and predictions on site.
Texas A&M vs. LSU odds
Texas A&M | +275 |
LSU | -350 |
Spread | LSU -8.5 |
Total | O/U 51.5 |
Texas A&M vs. LSU player props
Anytime Touchdown
Dilin Jones (LSU) | -275 |
Sam Leavitt (LSU) | -225 |
Winston Watkins (LSU) | -120 |
Rueben Owens (Texas A&M) | -115 |
Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) | +130 |
Mario Craver (Texas A&M) | +160 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
