No. 3 Texas A&M meets South Carolina for late-season SEC tune-up originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
No. 3 Texas A&M puts its unbeaten season and College Football Playoff hopes on the line Saturday when it hosts struggling South Carolina in an SEC matchup that features two programs headed in opposite directions.
The Aggies (9-0) have leaned on a balanced offense and one of the nations most disruptive defensive fronts to rise into the top three. Marcel Reed has thrown for 2,193 yards and 19 touchdowns, while Rueben Owens leads a rushing attack averaging 204.9 yards per game, which is good for 19th nationally. Mike Elko’s team enters the weekend scoring 37.8 points per game and ranks in the top 25 in both total offense and total defense.
South Carolina (3-6) arrives with one of the nations least productive offenses, ranking outside the top 100 in nearly every major category. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has flashed playmaking ability, especially as a runner, but the Gamecocks battered offensive line has allowed 34 sacks and struggled to sustain drives. South Carolina sits 120th in time of possession and 112th in red-zone efficiency. If it’s one game for Sellers to make a statement, this one is it.
The matchup pits A&Ms nation-leading pass rush against a Gamecocks offense searching for answers under interim coordinator Mike Furrey. Sellers and star receiver Nyck Harbor will be key to any upset bid, but controlling A&Ms front, which pressures quarterbacks nearly every snap will be critical.
Texas A&M comes off a 38-17 win over Missouri, while South Carolina fell 30-14 to Ole Miss. A fourth straight loss all against top-15 teams.
On the other hand, the Aggies have won five straight in the series and are heavy favorites to extend that streak as they chase a CFP berth in the final weeks.