Texas A&M beats LSU but earns no style points to impress playoff committee
By Scott Rogust
The offenses of the LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies were uncharacteristically ugly in their Saturday contest.
It’s hard to envision that just two years ago, the LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies accumulated a total of 146 points in their seven-overtime classic. It’s further proof that the year 2020 has actually felt like it’s been going on for a century. We certainly didn’t get such a performance on Saturday between the two squads. It’s as if both teams studied the offensive game tape of the Chicago Bears entering this weekend because there was literally no points or yardage on offense to be had.
Sure, the No. 5 Aggies managed to defeat the now-hapless Tigers 20-7, but it was an absolutely ugly win.
Where have the good offenses gone?
If there is a positive to this game, it’s that both defenses looked solid. That’s always a good thing. But a defense always appreciates when their offenses keep them on the sidelines for ample rest while putting points on the board. Just ask the aforementioned Bears.
The play of quarterbacks Kellen Mond and T.J. Finley was far from ideal. Combined, the two completed 34-of-81 pass attempts for a grand total of 336 yards. That’s not good. In fact, most of the yardage went to Finley, who had 231 yards, as opposed to Mond’s meager 105 yards.
Neither team was effective in third-down situations, as Texas A&M and LSU each went 2-of-17 on the night. Not exactly the greatest look for either team, especially Texas A&M, who is a top-five team.
If Texas A&M has one person to thank for their win, it’s running back Isaiah Spiller, who rushed for 141 yards on 27 carries. In fact, his longest carry of the game was a 51-yard touchdown near the end of the first quarter.
We expected LSU’s offense to take a dip this season, as quarterback Joe Burrow and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire were both selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, while star receiver Ja’Marr Chase opted out of this season. As for Texas A&M, they didn’t exactly do themselves any favors to maintain their top-five spot in the national rankings.
All-in-all, it was truly a game to forget.
Next. 25 best college football stadiums to watch a game. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.