No. 6 LSU rallies to defeat No. 20 Texas A&M;, 24-19

Louisiana State’s ferocious defense put a big dent in the early legend of “Johnny Football.”

Sixth-ranked LSU (7-1) rallied from a 12-point deficit at College Station, Texas, to defeat No. 20 Texas A&M;, 24-19, keeping the Tigers’ national title hopes alive.

LSU’s second-ranked defense put the clamps on Texas A&M; quarterback Johnny Manziel, coming off a week in which he amassed an SEC-record 556 yards against Louisiana Tech.

Manziel, a redshirt freshman, completed 29 of 56 passes for 276 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions.

LSU’s offense continues to struggle as it leans on the defense, which held the nation’s No. 5 scoring offense to 28 points below its season average of 47.

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger completed only 11 of 29 passes for 97 yards, but the Tigers’ rushing attack gained 219 yards.

Texas A&M; (5-2) took a 12-0 lead but two turnovers led to two LSU touchdowns, which allowed the Tigers to take a 14-12 lead into halftime.

LSU now gets a week off before hosting Alabama on Nov. 3.

ALSO:

Ohio State QB Braxton Miller injured

Jets QB Tim Tebow trademarks ‘Tebowing’

‘Tough’ week comes to a close for Lance Armstrong