It’s still hard to believe it happened, but Texas A&M came back from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the LSU Tigers 38-23 at Kyle Field on Saturday night. It’s immediately the record win of the Mike Elko era, putting the Aggies in sole possession of first place in the SEC at 7-1.

Honestly, this was a game where the final stats belie the outcome a bit, but let’s look at some stats that illustrate how it happened and what the win means for the rest of the Aggies’ season.

Important statistics

• 0: Other teams that are undefeated in the SEC are playing. Entering November, the Aggies control their own destiny in the conference standings for the first time since joining the SEC and are 5-0 in conference play for the first time since 1998. And oh doctor, I think we all know what happened this season.
• 2: Interceptions for A&M nickel corner BJ Mayes. It can’t be overstated how much these two picks helped turn the tide in this game. The first came with the Aggies trailing by 10, setting up a short field for the offense (Marcel Reed scored on the very next play). The next attack gave the offense another short field and allowed the Ags to take the lead for good.
• 3.9: Yards per carry advantage for the Aggies (4.9 YPC versus LSU’s 1.0). RBs Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels, along with QB Marcel Reed, racked up yards on the ground, combining for 236 yards on 36 carries and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, LSU only managed 24 yards rushing on the day, including ZERO IN THE SECOND HALF!!! The Aggies are now ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense, but face a strong South Carolina defense on the road in Week 10.
• 4: Failed FG attempts for LSU. It’s honestly impressive in its own way that they’ve continued to find new and creative ways to mix things up. First it was a kick to the left, then a long attempt that failed, then another kick past the goal, and finally an early snap. Obviously, the recent margin of victory made these mistakes seem less crucial, but they kept the Aggies in the game early on when it seemed like LSU was running away with it. Much appreciated, Tigers.
• 4: Wins in a row against LSU at Kyle Field. After Kevin Sumlin lost 6-0 to the Tigers, this rival didn’t have much strength left. But with the Ags holding a 4-3 lead since then (and the home team winning every game), I think the animosity between these two fan bases (and teams) is starting to blossom. This forced rivalry could finally subside a little.
• 6: Points allowed in the second half by the A&M defense. In fact, in their last FOUR SEC games combined, the Aggies have allowed just 26 second-half points. Mike Elko was known as the king of halftime adjustments during his time as DC in Aggieland, and he and Jay Bateman look to live up to that billing again this season.
• 46.6%: Odds of reaching the College Football Playoff, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). There’s still a lot of football ahead of me, but in the first year of a new coaching team, I’m definitely embracing these opportunities.
• 104: Consecutive games in which LSU won while leading by more than 10 points at halftime. It was also the first time since the Chick Fil A Bowl against Duke in 2013 that A&M was able to overcome a halftime deficit of more than 10 points. I didn’t think there could be a more unexpected and satisfying comeback than this, but the Aggies pulled it off on Saturday.
• 108,852: The third largest audience in Kyle Field history wore black and made their voices heard in an absolutely electric atmosphere. Between the crowd and A&M’s offensive and defensive lines, LSU seemed to completely give in down the stretch. It’s proof that the crowd alone can’t win games, but it certainly makes it a lot easier.

EVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR NOVEMBER! #BTHOsouthcarolina