Texas A&M Aggies Stumble In Second Half Against Heisman Favorite Jayden Daniels
There's a reason why LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels might become a 'lucky No. 13' Heisman winner with three regular-season losses. It's the same reason why the Tigers fought back in the second half against Texas A&M at home.
Resilience. Poise. Passion. Heart. Those were just a few ingredients put on display by the senior quarterback in a 42-30 win over the Aggies. Even with an exceptional start, A&M couldn't finish.
But this time, it might not be solely based on self-inflicted wounds but rather a performance to remember from an opponent.
“I would consider that the best defense we’ve played all year,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. "You may get Jayden for a little bit, but you just can’t keep him down.”
Daniels channeled his inner Joe Burrow or Johnny Manizel with a four-touchdown showcase at Tiger Stadium in the second half. Three touchdowns came in the final 30 minutes, as did a breakaway 49-yard run to set up a 2-yard score by Joshua Williams.
A&M (7-5, 4-4 SEC) actually pressed Daniels early. The Tigers posted a three-and-out on the opening series, and punted twice after Edgerrin Cooper recorded a sack on third-and-long.
Jaylen Henderson looked impressive in his third career start, connecting with Ainias Smith and Jahdae Walker for big gains. The former Fresno State quarterback improvised when the offensive line gave way, totaling 10 yards on 16 carries, but also picking up four first downs.
After Henderson connected with David Bailey for a 16-yard gain to set up the 2-yard touchdown run from Le'Veon Moss, Daniels responded with a 23-yard scamper. Soon after, he'd find Malik Nabers for a 6-yard touchdown and the lead.
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls for the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) during the second half at Tiger Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Aggies continued to counter with promising drives from the offense. Henderson found Jake Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown just before the half. He then connected with Walker for a gain of 33 to set up the 1-yard touchdown run from offensive lineman Mark Nabou.
But Heisman moments come in times of adversity. After trailing by 10, Daniels saw the flame and caught it, proceeding to bring down A&M in the process.
“He’s up for the Heisman for a reason,” interim coach Elijah Robinson said of Daniels' comeback play against A&M. “At any given point he can make a play — and he did.”
Daniels found Brian Thomas for a 23-yard touchdown to retake the lead. He connected with Nabers on the ensuing drive for a 21-yard score. To ensure the game was out of reach, Daniels fired a fastball to Kyren Lacy for the 15-yard score.
"He's a good quarterback," said defensive lineman Fadil Diggs. "He's strong and he's smart. He had a feel on how his [offensive] line was collapsing...salute to him for doing that."
Henderson tried to respond late, but an interception by Greg Penn allowed the Tigers (9-3, 6-2 SEC) to retake the lead. He later found Max Wright for a 51-yard touchdown with just over seven minutes remaining, but a failed two-point attempt put the Aggies down by five.
Daniels responded with another touchdown to push the lead to 12.
“There are some plays I wish I had back in the second half, so I just tip my hat to (the Tigers),” Henderson said. “They played a great second half on defense.”
Mistakes were few on Saturday for the Aggies, but costly. Henderson's first pick led to a scoring drive that swung momentum back to the Tigers. A missed 31-yard field goal from Randy Bond couldn't extend A&M's lead.
The Aggies overall looked sharp. They struck early and didn't back down from the blows. But neither did Daniels, who now waits to hear if he'll be headed to New York City as a finalist for the college football's top honor next month.
At halftime, LSU's band sent a message to voters, forming the signature Heisman pose to represent No. 5's heroics. He'll finish the season with 3,812 passing yards and an FBS-leading 50 touchdowns.
All the Aggies could do was watch.
"He trusted his guys one-on-one. There were a lot of times where he scrambled on crucial third downs to help his team, so I tip my hat off to him," said Henderson. "He's a great player. There's nothing bad to say about Jayden."
