Texas A&M vs. LSU Preview: Defensive Players To Watch

These two SEC squads should be prepared for a high-octane defensive brawl.

Nov 11, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers safety Major Burns (8) tackles Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas A&M Aggies will be opening Kyle Field's doors to their SEC rivals, the LSU Tigers, on October 26 in the waning portion of the 2024 college football season.

According to ESPNBet, Texas A&M is favored against the Tigers by 1.5 points, but that in no way means they should be slowing their roll with one of their biggest rivals coming to town. Offensive stars like Conner Weigman, Rueben Owens, and Moose Muhammad still have a stout LSU defense to work around as they look to improve on their 7-6 season in 2023.

LSU has molded many great defenders in the past, with stars like Patrick Queen, Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Grant Delpit all enjoying successful NFL careers, and will not be short of defensive firepower when they visit College Station at the end of October.

However, they will have to be on the same page with one another, including coaches. Matt House, the Tigers' defensive coordinator in 2023, moved up to the pros to be the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, LSU hired a familiar face to the Tiger defense: Blake Baker. Baker was LSU's linebackers coach in 2021 before heading to Missouri to coordinate their defense for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

And who knows what head coach Brian Kelly could have up his sleeve during the contest?

Of course, we don't know that, but we do know three key pieces of LSU's defense that the Maroon and White need to take note of before October 26.

1) CB Major Burns

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; LSU Tigers safety Major Burns (8) forces Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jase McClellan (2) out of bounds after McClellan ran for a first down at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

For those that don't know, Burns had originally chosen to play for Texas A&M over LSU when time came for college commitment, but ultimately flipped his decision to Georgia, spent one season there, and would then transfer to LSU, where he has been since.

After his 2021 and 2022 seasons were both cut short due to injuries, Burns made his presence felt in the Tiger secondary in 2023, leading the team in total tackles, with 93. He defended only three passes, and his lone interception was a pick-six to seal a 49-39 victory in week six against Missouri. Should Conner Weigman attempt a deep ball, the senior cornerback is the first obstacle he should be on the lookout for.

2) LB Greg Penn III

Nov 11, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Greg Penn III (30) reacts to a fumble recovery by LSU Tigers safety Javien Toviano (25) against the Florida Gators during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers' senior linebacker has been praised for his football IQ during his time in "The Swamp," and his 2023 season was a prime example of it. His 89 tackles were second-most on the team, his pair of picks led the squad amongst returning defensive players, he forced a fumble, and sacked the quarterback four times. Le'Veon Moss and Rueben Owens should make sure to steer clear of him when they tote the rock.

3) LB Harold Perkins

Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr 4 chases down Aggies quarterback Jalen Henderson 16 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023. / SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA

Perkins was the Tiger leader in sacks last season, with five and a half quarterback takedowns. He will be looking to repeat his productive game he had against the Aggies last year, which included nine total tackles and half a sack. The Aggie offensive line needs to highlight him each play if they're going to keep Conner Weigman protected.