Texas A&M Aggies vs. LSU Tigers Week 13: Defensive Players to Watch

The Tigers feature one of the SEC's worst secondaries holding back Jayden Daniels from making the College Football Playoff.

LSU's offense is ready to win a national title. Its defense is prepared to make the Tigers a sub-.500 roster. 

Thank goodness the Tigers have Heisman Trophy front-runner Jayden Daniels commanding the huddle toward a potential 10-win season. 

No. 14 LSU was expected to compete alongside Alabama and Georgia for a national title after a breakout first season under Brian Kelly. The Tigers probed the transfer portal to add in high-profile prospect cornerback Denver Harris (Texas A&M) and linebacker Ovie Oghoufo (Texas). 

Snap by snap, the offense improved. On the flip side, the defense regressed. LSU allowed over 500 yards to Ole Miss, Missouri, and Alabama. Arkansas and Florida put up over 450 yards and kept things too close for comfort at times. 

Texas A&M isn't a world-class beater on offense, but it's turned a corner since the bye week. The Aggies have scored at least 30 points since Week 9, including dropping 51 on Mississippi State in the final game of the Jimbo Fisher era. 

The Tigers, who currently are riding a nine-game winning streak at Tiger Stadium, have receivers that can ruin D.J. Durkin's defense. Will their defense be able to hold up one more time in the regular season? 

Follow along with AllAggies.com as we preview every aspect of A&M's matchup with the Tigers throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff in Baton Rouge. 

Now, let's take a look at several players to watch for on LSU's defense:

LSU Tigers defensive tackle Maason Smith (0) pressures Georgia State Panthers quarterback Darren Grainger (3) in third quarter action at Tiger Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports

DL Maason Smith

Smith was expected to be a staple of the interior run defense last season, but a torn ACL in the season opener sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He's back at full strength, but he's more so been a gap-filler than a black hole up the middle. In 11 games, Smith has totaled 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Last week, Smith recorded a season-high five tackles against Georgia State.

LB Greg Penn III

Much like last season, Penn remains a tackling machine. He's finished with 10-plus tackles three times this season, all of which came against SEC opponents. Penn has also been effective as a pass rusher, recording two sacks and five tackles for loss.

LB Harold Perkins

Perkins is having a bit of a sophomore slump, but he's still one of the FBS's more versatile defensive players. A native of New Orleans who once was part of Texas A&M's historic 2022 recruiting class, Perkins leads the Tigers in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (11.5). He's also notched five pass breakups and an interception.

DB Andre' Sam

Sam leads the Tigers in interceptions (3) but only has two pass breakups. He's been effective in run support when playing in the box, recording 68 tackles, including 14 in a 55-49 loss to Ole Miss.