Texas A&M got a scare against South Carolina when Mario Craver went down on a play and was seen reaching for his knee, a worrying moment for a receiver group that can’t really afford another setback.
Craver had to be helped off the field after what looked like a routine play, though he appeared able to put weight on the leg. At the time, it was unclear whether he would be able to return, and the Aggies were left waiting on more information.
Then came the good news: after the quarter break, Craver was back on the field, which should mean he’s good to go for the rest of the game. For Texas A&M, that’s a massive relief.
The Aggies are already thin at receiver. TK Norman had to step in once Craver left the game, with Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman already unavailable. Aaron Gregory’s role is expected to grow too, especially after the way he’s come on over the last month, and true freshman Jayden Warren could also see more snaps.
Craver has been the most explosive piece of Texas A&M’s passing attack this season. He leads the receivers in touches, and the Aggies use him all over the field because he can create damage whether he’s catching the ball behind the line or stretching things vertically.
His season has already been interrupted by injury. He was limited against Kentucky later in the game and through the full contest against LSU, though he looked better after that and played well against Alabama. Even so, staying on the field has been a problem.
The receiver injuries have piled up fast for Texas A&M. Bussey’s season ended on the first play against Kentucky.
Madden Williams was injured in fall camp and lost for the year. Former five-star Jerome Myles was reported to have left the team midway through fall camp.
And for this game, Ashton Bethel-Roman and Kelshaun Johnson were both out after seeing plenty of snaps earlier this season.
That left the Aggies with razor-thin depth at a position they badly need. Craver’s return to the field at least kept the situation from getting even worse.
In Other News...
Texas A&M Faces A Season-Shaping Test It Can't Let Get Away
Texas A&M comes out of its bye week with plenty still hanging in the balance, heading to Columbia to face No. 21 South Carolina in a game that could shape the rest of its season. At 4-4, the Aggies are still looking to lock up bowl eligibility, and the timing of this trip makes it even more important. South Carolina, meanwhile, has won three straight and has quickly emerged as one of the SECs hottest teams, which gives this matchup a little more urgency than a typical November road test.
For A&M, the challenge is not just the opponent but the setting and the momentum the Gamecocks are carrying into the weekend. The preview around this game points to key players and a handful of factors that could swing things either way, which is exactly why the Aggies cannot afford to let this one slip. With bowl hopes still in play and the conference race tightening, this is the kind of game that can define how the season is remembered. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Just Put South Carolinas Season On Edge
LaNorris Sellers briefly sent a jolt through South Carolinas sideline in the second quarter against Texas A&M when he went down on a sack and headed to the medical tent. He did return for the third quarter, which at least gave the Gamecocks some immediate relief, but the scene still underscored how much their offense revolves around his ability to keep plays alive and push the ball downfield.
Shane Beamer said Sellers was getting an X-ray for an ankle injury, leaving the bigger picture murky as the game moved on. Before the injury, Sellers had already completed 10 of 15 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, a strong start that made his status even more important for South Carolina as it tried to keep pace. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Faces A Road Test Fans Can't Ignore
Texas A&M comes out of its bye week with a road assignment that carries real weight, heading to Williams-Brice Stadium to face No. 21 South Carolina. The Aggies are still trying to sharpen their away form, and this trip also comes with the added incentive of locking up bowl eligibility. South Carolina, meanwhile, has built momentum with a three-game winning streak, which makes this one of the more revealing matchups left on the schedule.
The setup is especially worth watching because both sides are dealing with injury questions, adding another layer to a game that already has plenty riding on it. For fans tracking the Aggies, the broadcast details are part of the appeal too, since this is the kind of late-season road test that can shape how the rest of November feels. [Read more 🡒]
