LSU heads into halftime leading No. 15 Texas A&M, 17-7

The LSU Tigers kicked off the game getting the ball. The offense was able to eat up some clock as they went down the field in 6:20 to set up a field goal by Cade York after a 12-play drive. After taking the 3-0 lead, the Tigers defense forced a punt from the Texas A&M offense.

The offense found a little of movement on their second drive but it ultimately ended with a kick. Avery Atkins pinned the Aggies deep in their own territory for the second drive of the game. The Tigers defense was up for the task as they forced the offense to give the ball back to the LSU offense.

After the first quarter, the LSU defense shut out the Aggies offense, limiting them to just 21 total yards. On third and one, Max Johnson took matters into his own hands finding Jaray Jenkins down the sideline for the 45-yard touchdown. Tigers were up 10-0 at that point.

On the following drive from Texas A&M, they found some room in the passing game. As they got to midfield, the Tigers were able to force a fourth and one but the defense wouldn’t stop Jared Wydermyer on the play to extend the drive. Facing another third down, the Tigers played good coverage. BJ Ojulari brings pressure on a stunt, and Zach Calzada falls to the turf when trying to scramble to force another punt.

The Tigers were unable to take advantage of the forced punt and would end up giving it right back. Calzada would enter the blue medical tent after their drive but he was back out for the next Aggies drive. He led them right down the field and into the red zone. Facing a third down Calzada was able to escape the pressure from Damone Clark for the touchdown. Moose Muhammad III was the recipient of the pass.

Johnson scramble got the offense a conversion to get the drive rolling for LSU. A block in the back by Ty Davis-Price put the Tigers’ offense behind the chains. They stopped TDP on first and 17, then a pass to him on second down left LSU with third and 10 but the pass was broken up leading to another punt.

On the ensuing drive facing a second and nine, Jaquelin Roy sacks Calzada. The coverage doing its job on the play. Texas A&M would run the ball with just over a minute remaining, and they would punt it right back. Trey Palmer took a screen pass from Johnson for the 61-yard touchdown. Tigers lead 17-7.

First Half Stats

LSU total yards: 243

Passing yards: 173

Rushing yards: 70

Max Johnson: 11/20 173 yards 2 TDs

Ty Davis-Price: 9 carries, 27 yards

Jaray Jenkins: 4 receptions, 83 yards 1 TD

Trey Palmer: 3 receptions, 64 yards 1 TD