Texas A&M Aggies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 2nd 2024

Preview and Prediction

The final game of the regular season against long-standing rival Texas is still a month away, but according to Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, Saturday night's Southeastern Conference matchup against South Carolina will be the most difficult game his team has faced so far.

Elko stated, "This will be an immense test for our program in Columbia, S.C. It's time to get back to work."

The Aggies, ranked 10th, have performed exceptionally well since their season-opening loss to then-No. 7 Notre Dame. They have won seven consecutive games, including a 38-23 comeback victory against LSU last week that propelled them to the top of the SEC.

In their latest win, Texas A&M was not afraid to make bold moves in the middle of the game when their original plan was not working. Backup quarterback Marcel Reed came in during the third quarter and led five consecutive scoring drives, rushing for three touchdowns and making a crucial pass to set up a fourth touchdown.

However, Elko clarified that this does not mean Reed has surpassed Conner Weigman for the starting position. Regardless of who is under center, the Aggies need a stronger passing threat than they have shown at times this season. Last week, the duo only completed 8 of 20 passes.

Elko stated, "We are searching for consistency in our passing game. We need to find a rhythm and efficiency in order to reach our goals."

Those goals include reaching the College Football Playoff, a highly likely outcome if the Aggies finish the regular season with an 11-1 record. This would secure them the SEC regular-season title and make it difficult for the selection committee to exclude them from the 12-team playoff field, even if they were to lose the SEC championship game.

On the other hand, the Gamecocks (4-3, 2-3) have had two weeks to prepare for Texas A&M after their dominant 35-9 victory over Oklahoma on Oct. 19. South Carolina's defense scored two touchdowns in the first 5:20 of the game and recorded nine sacks, overshadowing a lackluster performance by the offense.

Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer knows his team will need a more dynamic offense against the top team in the league. He is no longer accepting excuses such as starting a redshirt freshman quarterback, a true freshman at left tackle, or playing multiple freshman receivers.

Beamer stated, "We can no longer use our youth as an excuse."

South Carolina's running game has been surprisingly weak, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry, which ranks in the bottom 10 in FBS. Beamer acknowledged that they need to improve in all areas.

He said, "When you struggle like that, you have to evaluate everything."

In the all-time series between Texas A&M and South Carolina, the Aggies hold a 9-1 lead. They defeated the Gamecocks 30-17 last year in College Station, Texas, with the only South Carolina win coming in 2022 when the Aggies last visited Columbia.

PREDICTION

Texas A&M Aggies

23

20

South Carolina Gamecocks

Texas A&M Aggies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Recap NOV 2TH 2024