The best part of Texas A&M's defense this year thus far has been their unrelenting and intimidating pass rush. The Aggies, under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, have put together pressure after pressure against opposing quarterbacks, veritably beating them into submission over the course of a sixty-minute contest.
The three-game stretch at home was a massive part of that ability to get home, as the noise level when opposing teams are on offense in Kyle Field is nothing short of staggering. An inability for offenses to communicate up front has served the Aggies well, as they have no idea where the pressure is coming from— and even if they do, the Aggies boast several players who are simply too talented to be blocked.
The chief name there is Texas A&M's defensive end Cashius Howell, who is the current sack leader in the SEC with 7.5. Howell is a menace off the edge, and some recent news from LSU has to have him positively licking his chops ahead of the Aggies' visit to Baton Rouge.
LSU loses starting tackle ahead of Texas A&M game, portending potent pressure for Aggie defensive front
Pete Nakos of On3 reported that LSU's starting tackle, Tyree Adams, will be unavailable for the Tigers in Saturday's game.
LSU starting OT Tyree Adams is out for the Texas A&M game on Saturday, sources tell @On3sports.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 20, 2025
Sprained his ankle against Vanderbilt. With the bye following A&M, there's some hope the left tackle could be back by Alabama.https://t.co/0arBqSbjGc pic.twitter.com/4POnQeq7ML
Garrett Nussmeier, the LSU quarterback, isn't exactly the most mobile guy in the world, so this could be a scary proposition for Tiger fans. If Nuss can only stand back there and hope to get the ball out quickly, then Howell can really pin his ears back on passing downs and make things difficult for the Tigers.
The backup tackle for LSU didn't really acquit himself well against the Commodores, as the numbers show:
LSU’s new starting LT DJ Chester vs Vanderbilt last week:
— Luke Evangelist (@lukeevangelist_) October 20, 2025
- 37.6 pass blocking grade
- 3 pressures allowed on 23 pass blocking snaps (1 sack, 1 hit, 1 hurry)
Chester has spent most of his career at center, but got 3 snaps at LT against Clemson (Had a 0.0 pass blocking grade) https://t.co/x6K8KfMrR1
This is a massive opportunity for Texas A&M's defense. LSU already struggles to run the ball, so if the Ags can keep them behind the chains with some sure tackling on first and second down, Howell and company will have plenty of chances to take Nussmeier down on third and long.
That's easier said than done, but this is another check mark in the column of Texas A&M advantages in this game. There are a few things to worry about in this game without a doubt, but the Aggies have to feel good about this factor of the contest.