Halftime: Ainias Smith Ties Receiving Record, Texas A&M Aggies Lead Over LSU Tigers
Welcome to the history books, Ainias Smith.
Smith tied former Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk's 39-game consecutive reception streak during the first quarter on a 3-yard catch against No. 14 LSU. The Aggies lead the Tigers at halftime 17-14.
Smith finished the first half with six catches for 41 yards. One of the top receivers in program history, Smith also became the first player in SEC history to total over 2,000 receiving yards and 800 punt return yards for a career.
Tigers running back Logan Diggs kicked off the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Heisman front-runner Jayden Daniels might end up running away with the hardware, but he was contained for the most part during the first half.
The Tigers possess the nation's top offense, but A&M came prepared, forcing two three-and-outs. On third-and-11, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper broke through the Tigers' line to bring down Daniels.
Daniels found momentum midway through the second quarter, connecting with Malik Nabers for a 6-yard touchdown. Daniels finished 7 of 10 passing for 52 yards and a touchdown and tacked on 56 rushing yards off six carries.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) makes a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Kyle Field.
Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylen Henderson continued to man the offense with Max Johnson sidelined, going 16 of 20 for 152 yards. He connected with David Bailey on 3rd-and-10 for a gain of 16 to set up a 2-yard touchdown run from Le'Veon Moss.
Henderson drove down the field in the final seconds of the second quarter to connect with Jake Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown. Randy Bond also drilled a 48-yard field goal to make it 10-7 with 8:17 remaining in the second quarter.
With a win, the Aggies will tie with LSU for third place in the SEC West. Back in College Station, athletic director Ross Bjork is looking to finalize a deal to replace Jimbo Fisher, who was fired following a 51-10 win over Mississippi State earlier this month.
Last season, A&M defeated then-No.5 LSU at home 38-23 to finish 5-7.
The Aggies will receive the ball to begin the second half.
