Texas A&M vs. LSU Pick 11/30/19

Texas A&M Aggies (7-4 SU, 7-4 ATS) vs. No. 1 LSU Tigers (11-0 SU, 6-4-1 ATS)

Date/Time: Saturday November 30th, 2019. 7:00PM (EST)

Where: Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, L.A.

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: A&M +17/LSU -17 (WagerWeb – Offers 20 point college football teasers!)

Over/Under Total: 61

The top-ranked LSU Tigers will try to put a bow on a perfect season this Saturday when they host the Texas A&M Aggies in Death Valley. The LSU-Texas A&M rivalry is often overlooked on rivalry weekend, but last year’s incredible meeting that featured seven overtimes rekindled the intensity of this incredible rivalry that goes back over 100 years. In last year’s seven overtime thriller, the Aggies snapped a seven-game losing streak in the rivalry and will now have the opportunity to hand the Tigers their first loss of the season if they can get the job done again. However, oddsmakers have LSU listed as 17 point favorites as the Tigers attempt to wrap up an incredible 2019 regular season that has featured four wins against top 10 opponents.

Improvement needed by the LSU defense against Texas A&M

Despite the breakout season and quality wins, the Tigers’ defense remains the team’s most significant liability moving forward. In the last three games, the Tigers defense gave up 41 points in the victory against Alabama which may not seem too terrible given the Crimson Tide’s weapons on offense. However, the LSU defense backed up that performance by allowing 57 combined points against the bottom-dwelling likes of Ole Miss and Arkansas. The lackluster performances on defense are somewhat surprising considering the talent that LSU maintains on the defensive side of the ball.

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The Tigers have two nearly guaranteed first-round draft picks in CB Kristian Fulton and S Grant Delpit. However, the Tigers have still managed to allow 232 yards per game through the air, which ranks 70th in the FBS. In this week’s matchup against the Aggies, this trend is concerning when you consider the fact that the Aggies are getting 17 points. Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond is a veteran passer that has dual-threat capability. Mond has the experience and the talent to put pressure on LSU’s defense, especially when he rolls outside the pocket. The Aggies also have a few extremely talented playmakers in running back Isaiah Spiller and WR Jhamon Ausbon that will require attention. Therefore, this will be another difficult challenge for this LSU defense that needs to show some improvement.

LSU looking for 9th straight cover against the Aggies

Despite the defensive concerns, the LSU has plenty of factors playing in their favor. For starters, the offense remains one of the most dangerous groups in college football, averaging 48.5 points per game. LSU’s offense sports an extremely physical rushing attack led by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has posted 1,146 yards with 15 touchdowns on the season. Furthermore, quarterback Joe Burrow continues to make his case for the NFL’s #1 overall pick in the 2020 draft. Burrow has eclipsed 4,000 yards passing already this season while completing 78.9% passing totaling 41 touchdowns with just six picks. Burrow has undoubtedly posted Heisman Trophy type numbers and continues to impress on a near-weekly basis.

Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson have both eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving on the season combining for 2,297 yards with 27 touchdowns as the most dynamic duo in college football. Now the Aggies defense has been solid all season ranking 21st in the FBS, allowing just 320 yards per game. However, the Aggies also gave up 47 points in the loss to Alabama, which is a team that matches-up very similarly. This Saturday’s road trip into enemy territory is not the ideal venue for the Aggies’ defense in their biggest challenge to date. As a team, the Aggies have failed to cover eight straight games against the Tigers, and their defense will be responsible for keeping this game within reach on Saturday.

Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: If you have read my previews this year, then you know I have been labeling LSU the best team in the country since about week 3. However, I think this is a tough matchup that could give LSU troubles. The Aggies are simply receiving too much value with the 17 points. Take A&M +17