Texas A&M heads into its trip to South Carolina with plenty on the line, and the setting may be the part that worries Aggies fans most.
After dropping four of their first five conference games in the season, Texas A&M is staring at what feels like a must-win spot if it wants to stay on track toward a bowl game in the 2026 season. South Carolina has also struggled in conference play, a stretch that has put head coach Shane Beamer on the hot seat in some circles. On paper, it looks like a chance for the Aggies to steady themselves.
But Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia has not been kind to Texas A&M lately.
The last two trips there have gone badly for the Maroon and White, and the 2023 meeting stands out as especially brutal. Texas A&M entered that game undefeated at 5-0 in conference play, only to watch South Carolina jump out early by scoring on its first two possessions.
The Aggies battled back to tie it at 20 before halftime, but that comeback came with a cost: running back Le'Veon Moss left with a leg injury. From there, the second half belonged entirely to the Gamecocks.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers and running back Raheim Sanders carved up the Aggies on the ground, combining for 250 rushing yards, while South Carolina’s defense held Texas A&M scoreless after halftime in a 44-20 win.
The 2022 matchup was closer, but the result was still the same for A&M. South Carolina picked up its first-ever win over the Aggies in a 30-24 game, with Haynes King and De'Von Achane finding the end zone for Texas A&M in a losing effort.
That recent skid in Columbia stands in sharp contrast to the broader series history. Texas A&M has controlled the all-time matchup, owning a 10-2 record against South Carolina.
So next Saturday brings more than just another SEC road game. A win in Columbia would give Texas A&M its first road victory of the year and snap a stretch that has haunted the program since Jimbo Fisher was still the head coach.
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Texas A&M Bye Week Puts One Frustrating Question Front And Center
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Marcel Reed remains the starter, which at least settles one part of the conversation, even if his play has left some room for debate. For Texas A&M, the bye is less about a reset than a chance to sharpen the game plan and get the offense and the rest of the roster in better shape before the schedule tightens again. [Read more 🡒]