Texas A&M Favored to Defeat South Carolina in SEC Clash

No. 3 Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC) is set to face South Carolina (3-6, 1-6 SEC) on Saturday afternoon at Kyle Field, marking the Aggies’ return home after over a month. The matchup follows their convincing 34-17 victory against Florida on October 11, 2023. With their current form, Texas A&M is heavily favored, entering the game with the 17th-ranked offense and the 23rd-ranked defense.

South Carolina’s performance has faltered this season, with its offense ranking among the lowest in the SEC. Starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers has struggled to meet expectations, completing passes for only 1,536 yards and seven touchdowns. Compounding the issue, his offensive line has allowed a staggering 33 sacks, contributing to one of the league’s worst third-down conversion rates.

In contrast, Texas A&M thrives on both offense and defense. Star quarterback Marcel Reed recently delivered a standout performance, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns in the Aggies’ 38-17 road win against Missouri. The ground game, now spearheaded by sophomore running back Rueben Owens, aims to exploit South Carolina’s 83rd-ranked defense, which concedes over 150 yards per game.

As the game approaches, Texas A&M is a formidable 19.5-point favorite at home. This significant spread reflects the Aggies’ recent success, including consecutive road victories by 20 points or more. The anticipated sell-out crowd at Kyle Field is expected to bolster the team’s chances against their SEC rivals.

Predictions and Historical Context

On Thursday, the USA TODAY Sports team of college football experts released their predictions for Week 12, including insights on the Texas A&M versus South Carolina matchup. Writers Matt Hayes, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Meyerberg, Erik Smith, Eddie Timanus, and Blake Toppemeyer unanimously selected the Aggies to secure a victory, projecting them to improve to 10-0 before their upcoming game against FCS Samford.

Texas A&M’s dominance in this matchup is evidenced by their historical performance since joining the SEC in 2012, boasting a 9-2 record against South Carolina. The last encounter ended with a 44-20 loss for the Aggies at Williams-Brice Stadium, highlighting the potential for a competitive clash.

As the teams prepare to take the field, Texas A&M’s impressive trajectory in the current season poses a challenge for South Carolina. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Aggies look to maintain their unbeaten streak and solidify their position as a top contender in the SEC.