LSU vs. Texas A&M: Score and Twitter Reaction

In a Thanksgiving night matchup between two SEC teams desperate for a strong finish to the season, LSU took down Texas A&M, 23-17, at Kyle Field. The game was decided by a questionable call late, but the Tigers come away with a huge Thanksgiving victory.

LSU Football's official account provides a look at the result and reaction from College Station:

Scott Rabalais of The Advocate also noted what the win meant for the LSU program:

Anthony Jennings didn't have a great all-around game, but was effective on the ground. The Tigers' signal-caller finished just 12-for-21 for 107 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but his career-high 119 rushing yards paced the offense.

Gabe Bock of SportsRadio 1150 noted how historic the performance was for the dual-threat quarterback:

Outside of Jennings, freshman Leonard Fournette also made a huge impact with 146 rushing yards and a memorable touchdown scamper. After weeks of being stymied offensively, Fournette and Jennings carried the team in a difficult environment.

For the Aggies, Kyle Allen went 17-for-27 with 144 yards, one touchdown and one controversial interception. That touchdown pass went to Speedy Noil, who reached the end zone for the fifth time during his freshman campaign.

SportsCenter gives a look at Noil's score and subsequent celebration:

The first half was barren on the offensive side for Texas A&M outside of one early drive. Trey Williams had just one rush in the first quarter, but he took it to the house form 41 yards out to give the Aggies the early advantage.

However, TexAgs notes how well the offense performed outside of Williams' huge run:

LSU finally got its offense going in the second quarter after being shut down in the opening frame. Leonard Fournette provided the spark for the Tigers with a bruising rush that showed off not only his speed but also his physicality.

The SEC Network passed along video of the powerful run:

LSU coahc Les Miles offered his thoughts on the impressive freshman following the game, per James Haralson of 1045 ESPN:

His touchdown run was his longest in the first half, finishing with 75 before heading to the locker room. It was also a massive moment for the underwhelming offense, via ESPN Stats & Info:

Jennings also recovered from throwing an early pick by rushing for rushing for 94 yards and a 10-yard touchdown throw to John Diarse. That second touchdown alone gave the Tigers their highest point total Oct. 18 against Kentucky.

Despite the offensive woes over the last several weeks, Jennings planned on attacking the Aggies through the air. The sophomore spoke about his approach prior to the game, via Tiger Droppings:

The Tigers would add a field goal before the half and another in the third quarter, but weren't able to put the Aggies away. Allen was able to drive Texas A&M down the field for a field goal and Noil's touchdown reception.

Down by six points on the final drive, Allen had a chance for a big moment that was ended by a questionable call. On third down, an LSU lineman appeared to be offsides when Allen heaved the ball down the field and was picked off.

Allen appeared to think he had a free play and went for the jugular, but the pick stood for Jalen Collins as Texas A&M fell in tragic fashion. Rabalais and Brent Carney of KXAN offered their thoughts on the pivotal play:

Moving forward, both teams will now wait to find out which bowl will ultimately select them. With the two programs wilting down the stretch in the SEC West, they'll prepare for the future to compete for the title next season.

By virtue of its win, LSU finishes the regular season with an 8-4 record and a chance at a good bowl game. Though it wasn't the season the Tigers hoped for, having extra time to practice for young players like Fournette will improve the team in the future.

For the Aggies, dropping to 7-5 is a tough pill to swallow after a solid start to the season. However, the program still has a bowl game coming up and a chance to get Allen more accustomed to the offense to thrive next season.

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