LSU is 5-0 both straight up and against the spread in five meetings with Texas A&M since the latter joined the SEC five years ago. Can the Tigers, finishing off a disappointing regular season, make it six in a row when they pay a holiday visit to College Station on Thanksgiving?
Point spread: The Tigers opened as four-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).
College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 35.2-28.8, Tigers (college football picks on every game)
Why the LSU Tigers can cover the spread
LSU had won three of four games under interim coach Ed Orgeron but lost a tough one last week at home to Florida, 16-10. The Tigers took a 7-0 lead on their first possession of the game but trailed late. They drove to the Gators’ 1-yard line in the final seconds but then got stuffed on third and fourth down.
Earlier in the game, LSU also lost a fumble from the Florida 7-yard line, botched a field-goal from the 2-yard line, gave up a 98-yard touchdown on a bomb and a broken tackle and lost a fumble on a kickoff return, leading to a Gators field goal.
On the day, LSU outgained Florida, 423-270; outrushed the Gators, 219-126; and won time of possession by roughly a 34-26 split. So the Tigers have now outgained five of their last six opponents, and outrushed eight of their last nine foes.
Why the Texas A&M Aggies can cover the spread
Texas A&M just snapped a two-game losing streak with a 23-10 victory over UT-San Antonio. The Aggies grabbed a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game and were never really in trouble after that, although they came up short ATS at minus-27.
Texas A&M outgained the Roadrunners, 431-252, and outrushed them, 183-48, while junior quarterback Jake Hubenak, playing in place of the injured Trevor Knight, connected on 19 of his 32 throws for 248 yards and a touchdown without an interception.
The Aggies have now outrushed seven of their 11 opponents this season.
At 8-3 overall, Texas A&M can still reach double-digits in victories for the first time since 2012 if it can beat LSU on Thursday night and win its bowl game.
Smart pick
LSU botched that game against Florida last week. The Tigers have now outgained four of their last five SEC opponents by at least 150 yards each. The Aggies, on the other hand, looked lethargic last week against a much lesser foe and have been outgained by each of their last four SEC opponents by 150 yards per game. The smart money here at online betting sites likes LSU.
Betting trends
LSU is 5-0 SU and ATS in its last five games against Texas A&M.
Texas A&M is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games.
LSU is 1-5 ATS in its last six games on the road.
All college football betting lines and point-spread data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.
