Texas A&M heads to Columbia coming off a bye, but the setup around this trip to South Carolina does not look friendly for the Aggies.
The matchup lands in Williams-Brice Stadium, where Texas A&M has not won since the 2020 season, when it beat Carolina 48-3. Since then, the Aggies have dropped two frustrating night games there in 2022 and 2024. This one comes earlier in the day, but the venue history still hangs over the trip.
Form-wise, the two teams are moving in opposite directions. South Carolina is riding a win streak that has pushed it back into the rankings, while Texas A&M has lost its last three road games and is 2-4 against Power 4 opponents. That alone would be enough to raise eyebrows, but the numbers make the warning signs even louder.
The biggest issue for Texas A&M is that South Carolina’s strengths line up neatly with the Aggies’ weaknesses. The Gamecocks have one of the most efficient rushing attacks in the country, ranking seventh nationally in adjusted EPA/rush.
Texas A&M’s defense is 21st in adjusted EPA/rush, which is solid enough on paper, but the concern is how often South Carolina creates chunk plays on the ground. The Gamecocks are 17th in adjusted explosive rush rate, while the Aggies sit 57th in that category on defense.
That becomes even more dangerous because of LaNorris Sellers. Texas A&M has not seen many mobile quarterbacks this season, and none with the kind of tools Sellers brings. Keelon Russell is the closest comparison the Aggies have faced, and while they handled him reasonably well, he does not present the same level of threat.
There is also a clear path for South Carolina to stress Texas A&M through the air if needed. The Gamecocks are 116th in adjusted defensive EPA/pass, so that is where opposing offenses can find room. The problem for the Aggies is that they are 109th in adjusted offensive EPA/pass, which makes it hard to see them taking advantage of that weakness.
There is at least one small opening for Texas A&M: South Carolina’s run defense is its strongest defensive area, but it is not on the level of Alabama or Missouri. Even so, the Aggies’ best route is narrow. They would need to run the ball well, get early stops, and control the clock.
That is not a style Texas A&M has leaned on much this season, and it would be a tough ask even if the matchup were cleaner. Against this South Carolina team, if the Aggies cannot execute in those areas, the game could turn fast.
In Other News...
Texas A&M Just Took Another Roster Hit Before The Season
Texas A&M is dealing with another preseason roster shakeup after former linebacker signee Kelvion Riggins reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal following his departure from the program during fall camp. Riggins, part of the 2025 recruiting class, never got into a game for the Aggies, but his exit adds to a growing list of personnel changes before the season even begins.
The departures have not been limited to one position group, either. Wide receivers Jerome Myles and Jonah Wilson and offensive lineman Nelson McGuire also left the program before kickoff, while Ashton Bethel-Roman remains away from the team for personal reasons. For a roster still taking shape, it is another reminder that the Aggies are still sorting through availability as camp winds down. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Suddenly Has A Real Shot To Flip This Road Test
Texas A&Ms Week 10 outlook has taken on a different feel after the latest round of upset chatter around the college football slate. The Aggies are part of a broader conversation about teams that may be better positioned than the market gives them credit for, with the matchup drawing attention from bettors looking for value in road games and from fans watching how the numbers stack up across key performance metrics.
For A&M, the appeal is less about hype than about the way this game fits into the larger betting picture. The analysis around the weekend points to underdog angles and a few spots where rankings and recent form suggest the gap may not be as wide as it looks, which is exactly the kind of setup that can make a road test feel more winnable than expected. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Suddenly Has Another 2027 Flip Fight On Its Hands
Texas A&Ms 2027 class already has the feel of a recruiting battleground, and the latest twist has only added to the pressure. Linebacker Aston Whiteside has flipped his commitment to Miami, while fellow linebacker Kaden Henderson is drawing attention of his own with a reported visit to Notre Dame, even as he is still expected to sign with the Aggies.
The bigger concern may be four-star edge Frederick Ards III, who has already committed to Texas A&M but has also made a trip to South Carolina. The Gamecocks are actively pushing for him after their recent winning streak, and another visit could be on the table, giving the Aggies another prospect to keep close tabs on as this class continues to take shape. [Read more 🡒]