Lopsided loss in Baton Rouge underscores struggles of Sumlin era

Kevin Sumlin seemed more defensive than defiant. His eyes were misty. His voice was soft. Sumlin, Texas A&M’s embattled football coach, appeared to be fighting off emotion after a 45-21 loss to LSU ended another mediocre regular season.

Yet, in a cramped conference room beneath the east side bleachers of Tiger Stadium, Sumlin made a case for why he should remain A&M’s coach despite six largely mediocre seasons.