COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – No. No. 14 Texas A&M is in the driver’s seat for the Southeastern Conference title game with a 38-23 victory over No. 8 LSU Saturday at Kyle Field. The Aggies (7-1, 5-0) claimed sole first place in the conference before 108,852 fans, the third-largest crowd in Kyle Field history. Here is the game overview:

Why did A&M win? Head coach Mike Elko had the audacity to bench quarterback Conner Weigman early in the third quarter in favor of backup Marcel Reed.

It’s been a roller coaster season for Weigman, who struggled to start the season against Notre Dame, was injured through three games, but then returned and had a standout performance against Missouri. On Saturday, he was once again in the shadow of the season-opening quarterback, completing 6 of 18 passes for 64 yards. With the sophomore under center, the Aggies fell behind 17-7 at the half after amassing 147 total yards.

The understudy took the lead with eight minutes left in the third quarter and scored on his first play of the game, an 8-yard touchdown run on a read-option keeper.

A&M gained 98 rushing yards in the first half, but posted 144 yards on the ground in the final two frames. Reed posted 62 rushing yards on nine carries with three rushing touchdowns. He attempted just two passes and completed them both for 70 yards.

Who stood out? Beyond Reed, defensive back BJ Mayes stole the show with a pair of interceptions, his first two as an Aggie. Both resulted in second-half touchdowns for the Aggies.

Aggie running back Le’Veon Moss overcame a stomach illness to rack up two touchdowns and 83 yards on 14 carries. Fellow back Amari Daniels picked up a team-high 91 yards on 12 carries.

What was an important statistic? Texas A&M continued its red zone tear, going 6 for 6 on the night.

What was a key play? Taurean York claimed the Aggies’ third interception of the night with under two minutes to play, putting the game on ice.

What does this mean for the future? Texas A&M hasn’t been in this rare atmosphere this late in the season since joining the SEC. They can claim a trip to Atlanta, and in turn the College Football Playoff. But as Elko said after the game, they will have the biggest target on their back going forward.

Position distribution:

Offence

Offensive line: B

• The Aggies allowed two sacks and six tackles for loss in the game, but the unit bounced back and led the team to a run-blocking victory.

Quarterback: B-

• It’s a combination degree between both quarterbacks. Weigman couldn’t get the engine going in the first half, but Reed won the game with his legs. If Reed is the man for the job, he will need to show his consistency in the passing game going forward.

Running back: A

• All hope would have been lost early if it weren’t for Moss and Daniels. It was their work in the first half that opened up the reading opportunity for Reed in the second half.

Recipient: C

• Yes, Weigman struggled in the match. But he wasn’t helped much by his pass catchers.

Defense

Defensive line: B+

• The position group grew in the game after not putting much pressure on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier early. Pressure late in the game caused the turnovers.

Linebackers: A

• Scooby Williams took a huge hit late in the game, forcing an incomplete pass on third down. York had the late interception.

Secondary: B-

• It was back and forth for this group, with missed tackles early and then a blown coverage midway through the first half that led to a 70-plus yard touchdown. But they got into the game in the second half and Mayes made two huge interceptions.

Special teams: A

• Another workman’s day for Randy Bond, who hit a field goal late in the fourth. Tyler White kicked the ball five times, four of which landed inside the twenty.

Coaching: A

• You have to give this staff exemplary grades for having the courage to change the quarterback.

What’s next? Texas A&M travels to South Carolina (4-3, 2-3) to take on the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium at 6:30 p.m. South Carolina is coming off an open week.

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