LSU surges back to beat Texas A&M 42-30
It was an uncharacteristically slow start for Jayden Daniels and LSU’s high-octane offense.
But with the Heisman Trophy on the line, Daniels shined through the adversity securing a 42-30 win over Texas A&M in his final game at Tiger Stadium.
Texas A&M (7-5, 4-4) was able to control the clock offensively early in this game converting seven of 11 third downs in the first half with three scoring drives that averaged nearly six minutes each.
The result was LSU (9-3, 6-2) only getting the ball for 10:28 in the first half and Texas A&M taking a 24-14 lead after its opening drive in the third quarter.
LSU responded to this with three fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Daniels to three different receivers securing a 12-point victory for the Tigers and an undefeated season in Tiger Stadium.
Daniels finished that completing 16 of 24 passes for 235 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers. Daniels also made crucial plays with his including a 49-yard run on 4th and 4 in the third quarter. He led the team in rushing with 11 carries for 120 yards giving him 355 total yards and four touchdowns.
Coming into the game Texas A&M had the 8th-ranked defense in FBS.
He finishes the season with 4,946 total yards and 50 total touchdowns.
In the fourth quarter, he had impressive touchdown throws to receivers Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. and Kyren Lacy.
“Big-time players make big-time plays and in games like this,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “You saw Nabers, Thomas and obviously Daniels four touchdowns against what consider the best defense we've played all year. Just been another incredible performance.”
Nabers was the leading receiver with six grabs for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also broke LSU’s record for career receptions in this game.
“It’s something we worked on all offseason just building that trust in each other,” Daniels said.
Despite the second-half resurgence Texas A&M still won the time of possession battle 36:39 to 23:21. The Aggies converted 9-18 third downs and 3-5 fourth downs.
However, the defense did step up with big stops down the stretch when they were most needed. Notably, while down 24-21in the fourth quarter, LSU linebacker Greg Penn made an interception putting the Tigers in scoring position to take the lead.
Daniels responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Jr. and never looked back.
Penn was tied for second on the team in tackles with eight tackles, a sack, and the aforementioned interception.
LSU safety Andre Sam and linebacker Harold Perkins were LSU’s leading tackles with nine each.
LSU finishes undefeated at home with a 7-0 record as it awaits a bowl selection.
“Winning at Tiger Stadium is important to us being 13-1 over the last two years is something that we talked about - playing well at home,” Kelly said.
LSU Nike Fleece Club Crew Sweater
from: Alumni Hall