COLLEGE STATION — A Texas A&M football team that had two defensive players recognized after last week’s win at Missouri will look to stay hot against South Carolina at Kyle Field.
Linebacker Daymion Sanford and edge Cashius Howell were named defensive player of the week and defensive lineman of the week, respectively.
The Gamecocks made a coaching change during their bye week, firing offensive coordinator Mike Shula. They now hand over the unit to pass game coordinator Mike Furrey for the rest of the season.
Will A&M keep its winning streak alive? Can the Aggies avenge last year’s tough loss?
Here’s a full scouting report for the Texas A&M Aggies versus the South Carolina Gamecocks:
No. 3 Texas A&M vs South Carolina
Texas A&M vs South Carolina football betting info
Moneyline: Texas A&M -1400, South Carolina +800
Spread: A&M by 19½
Over/under: 48½
Texas A&M vs South Carolina history
Last meeting: South Carolina 44, Texas A&M 20. (2024)
Most memorable game: Texas A&M 52, South Carolina 28. (2014) In what was the two programs’ first-ever meeting, the Aggies throttled the No. 9 Gamecocks on the road. Kenny Hill broke Johnny Manziel’s single-game passing record with 511 yards en route to ending the Gamecocks’ 18-game home win streak.
Know the foe: South Carolina
Texas connections: The Gamecocks have very few ties to the Lone Star State, with only three players from Texas on their roster. Freshman quarterback Jimmy Francis is from Dallas, senior offensive lineman Nolan Hay is from Katy and junior defensive back Peyton Williams is from Heath.
When Texas A&M has the ball
A versatile A&M offense will meet a South Carolina defense that’s given up an average of 26.3 points on the road in conference play.
The Aggies have the 19th-ranked rushing attack with 204.9 yards per game. Along with the nation’s 40th-ranked passing attack (254.9 yards), A&M is among the most dangerous teams in college football.
The Gamecocks enter Week 12 ranked 10th in the conference in total defense, allowing 344.2 yards per game. They’ve allowed 22.1 points per game, good for ninth in the conference.
When South Carolina has the ball
Not much has gone right for South Carolina’s SEC-worst offense this season.
The Gamecocks are averaging a league-low 19.6 points per game, and if they’re going to have a chance to beat the Aggies at Kyle Field, it will require an extraordinary effort from quarterback LaNorris Sellers and the rest of the unit.
South Carolina ranks last in rushing offense at 100.7 yards per game and is 15th in passing offense with 193.3 yards per game. Last year, Raheim Sanders dominated with 144 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Texas A&M vs South Carolina key matchup
A&M’s front seven vs South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers
Despite South Carolina’s struggles on the offensive side of the ball, this team is only a year removed from when Sellers gashed the Aggies’ defense. A&M returns six starters from that unit.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound quarterback amassed 106 yards and one touchdown on the ground against the Aggies’ defense, and added another 244 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He was particularly effective targeting wide receiver Joshua Simon, who finished the day with 132 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions.
Sellers entered 2025 with Heisman Trophy hype, and although the results haven’t materialized this season, the talent is still there to be a game-breaker.
The Aggies have fared well against mobile quarterbacks this season, holding Utah State’s Bryson Barnes and Auburn’s Jackson Arnold to minus-four and 11 yards, respectively, on 31 total carries.
MORE: A&M looking to avoid a repeat embarrassing showing vs South Carolina
Texas A&M vs South Carolina prediction
Tony Catalina: Texas A&M 34, South Carolina 16. The Aggies have responded to every challenge this season, and Saturday will be no different. South Carolina might be energized with a new play-caller coming off a bye week. Still, A&M will take control to secure its 10th win of the season.
Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com.
