Spruce Derden–US PRESSWIRE
Follow @Dan Vasta and like Gridiron Grit on Facebook
While this matchup would typically be ‘Game of the Week’ caliber, it is not even the best SEC game of the weekend.
The talk of the town has been the stellar play of Heisman dark horse hopeful Johnny Manziel and the freshman has the looks of becoming an Aggie legend.
Recruited as a defensive player, this freak has been simply unstoppable as a duel-threat quarterback with a sensational ability to lead his team at will.
Whether it is leading the nation in rushing yards or passing yards on third downs and his incredible knack for coming through at such a young age, the future surely looks bright.
A&M remember was outmatched and outnumbered the last several years against SEC competition and yet here they are with a shot to make the nation eat some crow. While a double digit season is likely if they can knock off one of the juggernauts, this could be a statement game if they can avoid disaster.
That may be a terrible way to look at it, but quite frankly the expectations have altered quickly under Kevin Sumlin. ‘Johnny Football’ is threading it with ease and is unstoppable when flushed in the pocket.
While most teams would be in major trouble, the Bayou Bengals defense still can put the clamps down as well as any team out there (Bama, UF, FSU included).
KeKe Mingo and Sam Montgomery are two of the best in the game, but they will be blocked by the finest duo in America. Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews are future Sunday players and that is something that has given Manziel room to maneuver in the pocket.
The resurgence of the Aggies passing attack has been underrated, but they will be up against the second ranked LSU secondary.
Freshman Mike Evans has filled in admirably this season after losing Jeff Fuller a season ago, but Ryan Swope has not been affected at all. His numbers have dipped a tad with more running by Manziel, but Evans at 6’5” has reached early stardom.
Snagging in 36 passes for 549 yards and 2 TD is sensational, but the LSU secondary will be a stiff test with the star talents of Eric Reid and Tharold Simon licking their chops. This is a battle tested LSU squad despite with a loss on their resume, but the biggest question mark may be the time start.
LSU never plays 11 a.m. games (they are central standard) on the road let alone at home. In fact, you would have to go back to Kentucky at home of last year to the last morning game.
However, it has not been since Mississippi State back in September of 2009 (game LSU won close) in which LSU played a morning game on the road. A&M looks much better than that Bulldogs team that went just 5-7. The Aggies are just an upset away from becoming a legit dark horse for a potential top 10 ranking.
Demontre Moore has been a freak on the defensive side of the ball and A&M does not lack the athletes at linebacker to limit the power run game of LSU. The issue may actually become whether or not they can avoid a long home run pass from Zach Mettenberger to Odell Beckham.
Eventually the passing game will start to click and the Aggies devastating offense will be stymied by an LSU defense that has been there and done that.
Network: ESPN
Time: Noon Eastern
Experts Pick: LSU by 3.5
Danny V’s Pick: LSU 30, A&M 24
Follow @Dan Vasta and like Gridiron Grit on Facebook
