Texas A&M faces a trench test at South Carolina

Texas A&M returns from an open week Saturday needing a much cleaner performance up front against a South Carolina team riding a three-game winning streak. The Aggies last played in a 31-20 road loss to Alabama, and Good Bull Hunting’s Jay Arnold sees both lines facing demanding assignments in another road contest.

Texas A&M’s offensive line opened well against Alabama before losing control as the game progressed. The Aggies averaged 2.9 yards per carry. With 163 passing yards and two sacks allowed, their continuing offensive struggles put added pressure on the running game.

South Carolina ranks near the middle of the pack in passing and rushing defense, according to Arnold, but its stronger work against the run creates the tougher matchup for Texas A&M. Marcel Reed and the offense need the line to establish a workable rushing threat while handling edge defender Dylan Stewart and a Gamecocks front capable of disrupting the backfield.

The Aggies offered more encouragement on defense against Alabama, holding the Crimson Tide to 68 rushing yards on 28 attempts and recording four tackles for loss. South Carolina presents a different test because it leads the SEC in rushing offense and ranks in the top 15 nationally. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers leads the Gamecocks in rushing ahead of running back Matt Fuller.

That design places a premium on eye discipline and coordinated rush lanes. Texas A&M must account for Sellers as a designed runner without opening escape routes when he drops to pass. Finishing tackles on first contact would prevent him from extending plays.

The Aggies handled mobile Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell better than they had in some earlier situations, though Arnold noted that Russell still created time and hurt Texas A&M with his arm on extended plays. Sellers brings the same type of pressure to the defensive front, forcing the Aggies to balance containment with enough push to affect the pocket.

Arnold’s matchup assessment favors South Carolina because of its recent form and Texas A&M’s continuing issues on both sides of the ball. His prediction is a 34-17 Gamecocks victory.

Why it matters

Texas A&M’s offensive line must improve after the Aggies averaged 2.9 yards per carry and allowed two sacks against Alabama. Defensively, the Aggies now face an SEC-leading rushing attack built around Sellers and Fuller.

What to watch next

Saturday’s game will test whether Texas A&M’s improved run-defense numbers against Alabama carry over against South Carolina’s rushing attack.