Staff predictions for No. 23 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 LSU in Week 4

No. 23 Texas A&M heads to Baton Rouge to face No. 10 LSU after falling to Kentucky 31-21 at home in one of the more disastrous losses in under third-year coach Mike Elko, who spoke at length this week about the importance of turning the page, while the Aggies have practiced much better compared to last week's pre-game prep.

However, playing on the road in what many consider the most hostile environment in college football after enduring a devastating loss is as challenging as it gets. But after defeating the Tigers in Death Valley 49-25 last season, Elko and starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who struggled against Kentucky, throwing two interceptions, have not lost to LSU since 2024.

Still, Texas A&M has yet to face a top-10-ranked team on the road this season, and after allowing Kentucky's offense to essentially manhandle the Aggies' defensive line, QB Kenny Minchey had plenty of time in the pocket to deliver accurate strikes, while Texas transfer running back CJ Baxter rushed for 87 yards and scored both his touchdowns in the second half.

For the Aggies to have any shot at pulling off the upset and getting their 2026 season back on track, Marcel Reed will need to get out of his head and play much looser, while Mike Elko's defense must stop the run early and force LSU QB Sam Leavitt to beat them from the pocket.

Before the Aggies take the field on Saturday, here are our final Aggies Wire staff predictions. Enjoy!

Cameron Ohnysty — Lead writer

Losing to an unranked Kentucky team in Kyle Field is the kind of event that sends a fan base into unhinged territory, but similar to Oregon falling to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma losing to Michigan in Ann Arbor, early upsets shouldn't define either program. However, Texas A&M's offense and defense both struggled against the Wildcats, while the team's identity has yet to, well, be identified.

Set to face LSU on the road for a second straight season, the Tigers are coming off last Saturday's emotional 32-24 road loss to Ole Miss, and will be determined not to start 0-2 in SEC play. Still, Texas A&M has yet to lose to LSU under Mike Elko, and A&M's defense will play better after last weekend's performance.

On paper, keeping LSU QB Sam Leavitt, who has thrown three touchdowns and five interceptions, out of the game is key to keeping the dual-threat signal-caller from hurting the Aggies with his legs. Marcel Reed, who threw two interceptions against the Wildcats, needs to play more freely and complete his short and intermediate passes at a higher clip.

Facing LSU's No. 1-ranked run defense, Texas A&M will have freshman running back KJ Edwards back in the lineup, hoping to establish the run early, which will be a tough task. Again, this comes down to Texas A&M's defense preventing explosive passing/running plays, and Marcel Reed playing like nothing else matters.

However, I'm still picking LSU in a close one.

Prediction: LSU 32, Texas A&M 27

Jarrett Johnson — Contributor

A week ago, I trusted Texas A&M’s defense to cover for an offense that was still figuring things out. After watching Kentucky move the ball at Kyle Field, I can’t say that with the same confidence heading into LSU.

The Aggies have beaten the Tigers two years in a row, but the offense will have to help keep that streak alive. The offensive line actually held up reasonably well against Kentucky.

Marcel Reed was the bigger issue. He made some good plays, but his accuracy and decision-making were inconsistent, and his turnovers cost A&M scoring opportunities. Injuries have also taken away some of the options Holmon Wiggins expected. I think the Aggies can move the ball, but I’m not sure I trust them to finish enough drives.

I’m even more concerned about the defense. Kentucky found open receivers and broke off chunk plays far too often. LSU had its own slow start against Ole Miss, but Leavitt and the Tigers showed what they can do once they got going. If A&M gives them the same openings Kentucky found, the Aggies could get away quickly.I expect Texas A&M to respond and play a better game than it did Saturday.

The talent is there to make this competitive, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Reed puts together a few big drives. But asking the Aggies to fix his mistakes and their coverage problems in one week, then prove it in their first road game at Tiger Stadium, is a little more than I’m willing to bet on right now.

Prediction: LSU 31, Texas A&M 24

Dylan Flippo — Contributor

It doesn't get any easier this week for Texas A&M in Week 4, as the Aggies travel to Death Valley to face an angry LSU squad that also suffered its first loss of the season in Week 3.

There's no sugarcoating the disappointing performance from Texas A&M against Kentucky, or Marcel Reed’s lack of consistency as a passer. Reed was just 2-of-13 on deep throws of 15-plus yards, threw two interceptions, and was completely lackluster against an average Kentucky defense. 

On the other side, the defense must step up drastically against the Tigers after allowing Kentucky 408 total yards. 

LSU ranks as the No. 3 defense in the SEC entering Week 4, while Texas A&M ranks No. 12 in total offense. 

Too much firepower, better coordinators, and a hostile road environment lead to Texas A&M’s first loss to LSU in two years. 

Prediction: LSU 31, Texas A&M 17

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Staff predictions for No. 23 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 LSU in Week 4