There are only two teams left who haven’t lost in the nation’s toughest conference. After Saturday, there will only be one.

No. 8 LSU football’s matchup with No. 14 Texas A&M will determine who has the inside track to the SEC Championship. 

Here’s how the Reveille Sports Staff predicted the upcoming game.

Jason Willis, Sports Editor | @JasonWillis4

This game will be a tense defensive battle. Texas A&M’s defense is the toughest LSU has faced yet by far, and Garrett Nussmeier will need to be mistake-free. The Tigers’ rushing attack will also need to maintain its consistency, because being one-dimensional against this Texas A&M unit is not an option.

On the other end, LSU will need to be excellent in its run defense against Le’Veon Moss, the Louisiana native who is the engine of A&M’s offense. At the end of the day, this game is likely a toss-up, and I trust the LSU offense and Nussmeier, occasional dangerous throws aside, to make more plays when it comes down to the fourth quarter.

Prediction: LSU 20-17 Texas A&M

Tyler Harden, Senior Sports Reporter | @ttjharden8

In a game where both teams come in undefeated in conference play, the game will be won in the trenches. Texas A&M’s defensive line is deep and puts frequent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, led by edge rusher Nic Scourton. With LSU’s offensive line being solid up to this point, Texas A&M will be able to respond to that with the ability to rotate fresh bodies in and out. 

This being said, Garrett Nussmeier is going to have to make quick decisions. While he has the offense to do so, there may be times where the run game will have to be consistent as ever to throw the Aggies off balance. 

On offense, Texas A&M runs the ball efficiently, led by Le’Veon Moss, who played high school ball at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge. But fortunately for LSU, this is the right time for the front seven to find its rhythm, and it’ll serve it well in College Station.

Prediction: LSU 31-28 Texas A&M

Tre Allen, Senior Sports Reporter | @treday0314

In a big-time game where the lead for the SEC is on the line, this game will be won through the turnover battle. LSU has forced turnovers either by a takeaway or change of possession on fourth down. With Texas A&M not having the best passing game, they will try to slow the game down and chew the clock. This means when LSU has the ball, they cannot give the ball away easily.

I think in terms of all-around play, the Tigers have the advantage. With a passing game that has many weapons, an offensive line that has not given up a sack, an emerging running game and a defense that’s playing with confidence, I give the edge to the Tigers, but a hostile environment in Kyle Field will not be an easy task.

Prediction: LSU 31-23 Texas A&M

Brett Kemper, Sports Reporter | @kemper_brett

With a huge matchup set to go down during primetime, both teams with egos and bragging rights on the line, this game is going to be an all out war.

LSU’s defense seems to be finding its stride at the best possible time, and LSU’s offense is finally able to find some balance with the running game. This game needs to be a continuation of LSU’s dominant play on the road at Arkansas. 

Fortunately for LSU, A&M Quarterback Connor Weigman has not found his stride to date and has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, four to three. If LSU’s defensive front is able to shut down the run and force A&M into passing down and distance, LSU will be able to capitalize on Weigman’s weaker throwing ability.  

Last week against Arkansas, LSU had eight false starts, and although Kyle Field may not be as intimidating as Death Valley, Texas A&M has not lost to LSU at home since 2016.

Nussmeier and the rest of the offense need to be in perfect concert with one another to prevent drives from stalling out. In a game in which points will be difficult to come by, a single possession can make all the difference. 

I believe that LSU’s internal leadership, their two confidence boosting wins and poise will overcome this A&M team.

Prediction: LSU 24-21 A&M 

Cabe Bond, Sports Columnist | @PrezBond 

Texas A&M is a uniquely difficult team for the Tigers to face this year. They have two talented quarterbacks on roster that can both evade the pass rush, as well as a strong defense and explosive offense. The Tigers’ success will be centered around one thing: how fast their offense can start.

Should LSU enter Kyle Field and have meaningful, early offensive drives, then it will take the pressure off its defense – and allow the defense to be aggressive. However, should the Tigers find themselves down, they can still find victory behind two players: Bradyn Swinson and Whit Weeks. 

Swinson and Weeks have been wrecking offensive gameplans for the past few games. Weeks nearly single-handedly ensured LSU wouldn’t fall victim to a trap game last week. If the Tigers can put a lid on Conner Weigman and Marcel Reed, while also preventing Le’veon Moss from having explosive plays, they’ll remove the Aggie offense foundation and exit this week with a victory. 

Prediction: LSU 34-31 Texas A&M

Martin Sullivan, Sports Reporter | @marty_sulli

In a pseudo-SEC championship, LSU is set to play what should be its hardest away game this regular season at Kyle Field.

The game features two highly variable quarterbacks in Connor Weigman and Garrett Nussmeier. But both maintain perfect conference records.

LSU cannot afford to start slow in this game. The Aggies are equipped to run away with it if that happens. Texas A&M having a reliable ground game and talented pass rush would keep LSU trailing.

The growth of the defense and ability to collapse the pocket will be vital to getting the worst from Weigman. If this is achieved, a timely turnover could end up being the difference.

While the Tigers have won big games without a run game, it’s only a matter of time before that stops working. Getting Caden Durham going has to happen eventually.

LSU will no doubt feel the effects of a loud Kyle Field on Saturday but a dangerous air attack, a strong offensive line and the ability to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable wins these kinds of games.

Prediction: LSU 33-24 Texas A&M