Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) enters Week 9 in an interesting spot, as the Aggies will host 8th-ranked LSU on Saturday night for a primetime showdown between two 6-1 programs that also happen to be the only undefeated SEC teams in the conference standings.

On similar trajectories through seven games, Texas A&M's opening season loss to Notre Dame looks much better on paper as the Irish have only lost one game since, while LSU's loss to USC, who is now 3-4 on the year, could come back to haunt the Tigers if they drop another game. This week, Aggies' head coach Mike Elko praised his team for continuing to improve every week, describing how the roster is striving toward the program's definition of "success":

Ahead of the game, starting quarterback Conner Weigman, coming off a poor performance in Saturday's road win over Mississippi State must be on top of his game. At the same time, the Aggie defense will have its hands full against veteran Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier and freshman running back Caden Durham, who Aggies fans know well from the recruiting trail.

Here are five observations ahead of Texas A&M vs. LSU on Saturday night.

5. Texas A&M's offensive line vs. LSU's defensive line

This week, starting left guard Chase Bisontis's game-day status has been downgraded to OUT ahead of Saturday night vs. LSU. After making the position switch this offseason, the star blocker has been one of the more consistent offensive linemen in the country.

Junior guard Kam Dewberry provides adequate depth if needed. Still, the Aggie O-line will be tested against LSU's respectable defensive line, including senior DE Bradyn Swinson, who leads the Tigers with 7 sacks this season.

As player engagements heat up on social media, especially between Swinson and Texas A&M starting right guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, the Aggies' pass protection has vastly improved this season. Even if QB Conner Weigman is pressured more than last week, remember that the redshirt sophomore is actually a more successful passer when under pressure this season.

4. Texas A&M's pass rush needs to get home against QB Garrett Nussmeier

One of the more surprising stats heading into Saturday's game is LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier's protection upfront as the junior signal-caller, despite being one of the most pressured QBs in the country, has not been sacked this season mainly due to the Tiger's bookend tackles with first-round NFL Draft pedigrees.

However, outside of South Carolina's borderline elite pass rush, LSU has yet to face a defensive line like Texas A&M's. A&M DC Jay Bateman has sent pressure from a variety of angles to throw off quarterbacks every week, while junior defensive end Nic Scourton has recorded 4.5 sacks, including 3.5 in his last three games.

One name to watch is cornerback Jaydon Hill, who, while struggling in coverage, thrived as a second—and third-down blitzing option due to his impressive speed and quickness. Even if the Aggies don't bring down Nussmeier, getting his face and disrupting his rhythm is the key to throwing off the Tigers' passing game.

3. Texas A&M's wide receiver rotation should get open vs. LSU's secondary

Texas A&M's passing game, with quarterbacks Conner Weigman and Marcel Reed, has been average to above average at best this season. At the same time, Weigman's up-and-down performance in three starts due to his shoulder injury resulted in only one loss this season.

However, the Aggies' wide receiver corps has improved each week, including the rise of senior wideout Jabre Barber, who led Texas A&M in receiving against Mississippi State last Saturday. Allowing nearly 250 passing yards per game, LSU's secondary has held up better compared to last season's historically bad performance.

As we all know, speed kills, and with the return of freshman WR Terry Bussey from the injury list, I expect the Aggie receivers to find the open holes in LSU's scheme and provide Weigman quick options to get into the rhythm early.

2. Texas A&M's running game needs to wear down LSU's defensive front

Texas A&M's rushing attack has been one of the country's best due to the upfront blocking and the physical running style of running backs Le'Veon Moss and Amari Daniels. Even against stiff defensive fronts outside of Notre Dame in Week 1, Moss averages 6.4 yards per carry with 674 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in seven games.

Outside of facing Ole Miss, LSU's respectable but relatively unchallenged defense currently boasts a 32nd-ranked rushing defense, allowing just under 115 rushing yards per game. However, let's remember what Moss and Daniels did against Missouri's previously top-10-ranked run defense. They combined for 172 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Moss averaged nearly 12 yards per carry.

If the running game fails to get going early, I wouldn't put it past OC Collin Klein to continue giving Moss, and Daniels touches to wear down LSU's front in the second half.

1. WIll we see good, or bad Conner Weigman on Saturday?

It's been quite the rollercoaster regarding Texas A&M starting quarterback Conner Weigman's erratic play since the start of the season, despite a few moments showing the signal caller in complete control of the offense.

In four starts this season after missing three games due to a shoulder injury, Weigman has thrown for 718 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, including two picks interceptions in the win against Mississippi State.

As they say, with the bad comes the good, and for all the ugly plays, Weigman's talent is undeniable. Looking nearly flawless in the pocket after finishing 18/22 for 276 yards against Missouri, he plays his best at Kyle Feild outside of his career-low performance against Notre Dame.

Even better, Weigman has yet to put together consecutive poor performances and has thrived against ranked competition at home during his short career. If he can pick apart LSU's susceptible secondary, everything else should open up on offense, while the redshirt sophomore's in-game confidence should also increase.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. LSU: 5 things to watch for