No. 10 Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0 SEC) will face South Carolina (4-3, 2-3) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ABC.
BetMGM has released odds indicating Texas A&M is favored by 2.5 points.
In the history of their matchups, the Aggies hold a significant advantage with a record of 9-1 against the Gamecocks.
As the last unbeaten team in SEC play, Texas A&M has a lot on the line. Victory in the remaining games would secure them a spot in the SEC Championship match.
Meanwhile, South Carolina has had a noteworthy season, achieving wins against Kentucky and Oklahoma, but they’ve struggled at home, failing to secure an SEC victory this season.
A critical matchup to watch will be between Texas A&M’s tailback Le’Veon Moss and the Gamecocks’ run defense. Moss leads a formidable rushing attack, which ranks ninth in the nation with an average of over 221 rushing yards per game.
The South Carolina defense, featuring players like Kyle Kennard, Tonka Hemingway, and Dylan Stewart, has performed well against the run, ranking third in the SEC by allowing just under 102 yards per game.
Notable players to keep an eye on include Texas A&M’s defensive lineman Nic Scourton, who currently leads the SEC with 12.5 tackles for loss this season, contributing 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in conference play.
In contrast, South Carolina’s safety Nick Emmanwori is coming off a standout performance against Oklahoma, where he recorded 11 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
In terms of statistics, Texas A&M is matching its best-ever start in SEC play, having achieved a 5-0 record, a feat last accomplished in 2012.
It also marks their best conference start since they opened 7-0 in the Big 12 back in 1998.
On the flip side, South Carolina has faced difficulties, having lost their last eight encounters against ranked opponents this season, including tough games against LSU, Ole Miss, and Alabama.
The Aggies have displayed remarkable efficiency in the red zone, successfully scoring 32 times on 33 attempts, which includes 24 touchdowns.
Additionally, South Carolina achieved a program record with nine sacks against Oklahoma last week.
It’s worth noting that backup Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed played a crucial role in rallying the Aggies, leading a turnaround in their victory over LSU with a 31-6 scoring run.
Furthermore, Texas A&M is unique for being the only team in the nation to have secured two victories over teams currently ranked in the AP Top 10, namely Missouri and LSU.
South Carolina’s defense has also been a force, creating 16 turnovers this season, placing them third in the SEC and twelfth nationally.