Tag: South Carolina Gamecocks Football

Aggies Wire Staff Predictions ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina

Our Staff at Aggies Wire have predicted just how things may shake out during Texas A&M’s Saturday home matchup vs. South Carolina.

Texas A&M (4-3 2-2 SEC) is coming off their bye week after consecutive close losses to Alabama and Tennessee, set to host the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks (2-5, 1-4 SEC) on Saturday afternoon.

Taking center stage week after week, the Aggies floundering offense starts and ends in the trenches, as A&M’s offensive line has continued to digress after solid showings to start SEC play, leaving quarterback Max Johson either on his back or scrambling for his life after every snap.

Looking to show some improvement against a porous Gamecocks secondary and unimpressive pass rush, there’s plenty of improvement to be had, especially in the passing game. Again, with such a talented receiving core led by Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, Noah Thomas, and Moose Muhammad, there’s no reason the offense should be struggling at this rate.

Ahead of the battle for the Bonham Trophy, we at Aggies Wire have provided several key storylines and five players to watch ahead of the game. At the same time, Our Staff has made our predictions ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Cameron Ohnysty, Managing Editor: 

“Coming off of their bye week, will Texas A&M’s offensive line finally show some level of improvement? South Carolina may be the cure to the Aggies’ offensive woes. 

While quarterback Max Johnson needs to get the ball out faster, above-average blocking should be enough to reignite the offense and get back to “feeding the studs” in the passing more consistently. While SC quarterback Spencer Rattler is certainly a threat, the Aggies’ 10th-ranked defense, specifically the pass rush (29 sacks), should feast against the Gamecock’s O-line, ranked 132nd in sacks allowed per game (5.0). 

All in all, this should (hopefully) be a much-needed rebound game for the Maroon and White.” 

Final Score Prediction: Texas A&M 28, South Carolina 14

Pete Hernandez, Staff Writer: 

“After two tough back-to-back matchups against SEC behemoths, A&M comes off a much-needed bye week and is greeted with a softer matchup compared to the last two weeks. Simply put, it’s do or die, and the Aggies HAVE to win this game.

Being two-touchdown favorites seems generous, but then again, SC boasts just the 81st-ranked scoring offense and the 114th-ranked scoring defense. Texas A&M needs to show marginal improvement, and they should get a much-welcomed return to the win column.”

Final Score Prediction: Texas A&M 28, South Carolina 17

Jarrett Johnson, Staff Writer: 

“I’m not sure what to think about this team anymore. Every game, they have shown the potential to score at least 30 points but disappear in the second half of games. That could be attributed to several things; however, with the experience the team possesses across the offensive coaching staff, they are still a step behind the elite teams.

Getting back on track, South Carolina is not an impressive team right now. Even though I believe in the concept of “Any Given Saturday,” there is no way in my mind that Bobby Petrino will call an aggressive game, putting his players in the best position to score points.

The defense will handle business as usual, as DJ Durkin has been in his play-calling bag since the Miami game. The defensive line is clogging lanes, keeping the linebackers clean, and helping propel Edgerrin Cooper to an All-SEC type of bounceback halfway through the season. In conclusion, the Aggies will have a lot of yards, and the defense will have a lot of sacks en route to a comfortable victory.”

Final Score Predictions: Texas A&M 30, South Carolina 12

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina

Will the O-line show a sign of life? is QB Spencer Rattler a threat? here are five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina

We’re slightly past the halfway point of the 2023 college football season. For Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC), head coach Jimbo Fisher and his talented but underwhelming offense have plagued any sense of consistency, recently dropping two consecutive SEC matchups against Alabama and Tennessee.

While Fisher’s coaching future in College Station remains a mystery, the final five games of the regular season will likely provide more answers down the line, especially if what we’ve seen from the Aggies since reaching 4-1 after decisively defeating Arkansas to reach 2-0 in the SEC.

Yes, quarterback Conner Weigman’s season-ending injury certainly threw a wrench in the Aggies’ offensive plans. Still, second-year O-line coach Steve Addazio’s failure to fix the blocking issues in the trenches has put then-backup signal caller Max Johnson under constant duress, virtually destroying any rhythm in both the passing and running game since.

However, facing a Gamecocks defense that allows more than 30 points per game should give the offense confidence heading into the matchup.

This week, we have provided several storylines to help provide the full scoop on what to expect on Saturday afternoon.

Focusing on the players that need to make this weekend, here are the five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina.

Three bold predictions for Texas A&M vs. South Carolina in Week 9

A new career-high for Evan Stewart? A polished performance from the O-line? Here are our bold predictions for Week 9.

Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) will walk out of its bye week and enter, arguably, the biggest game of the season as they host South Carolina (2-5, 1-4 SEC). Much has been about the stakes at play and the negative stigma coming off back-to-back losses, but we’re flipping the script.

If anything, Saturday’s game could mark an emphatic turnaround for this football team, and with it could come some notable performances. After all, the Aggies should be healthy and well-rested following the bye, and with a chip on their shoulder, it should serve as fuel for some big performances.

Here are our three bold predictions for Texas A&M’s Week 9 bout with South Carolina.

1) The Aggies O-line allows…zero sacks

This first bold prediction may be too generous, considering how the Maroon Goons have fared over the last few weeks. A&M has not allowed a sack in just two games this season while averaging 2.6 sacks allowed in the other five contests. The Gamecocks have logged the third-fewest sacks (13) in the SEC this season, so perhaps this “bold” prediction won’t be all that out of reach come Saturday.

2) Evan Stewart goes for over 150 yards receiving

Where art thou, Evan Stewart? A&M’s versatile threat through the air averaged 128.5 receiving yards per game through the first two weeks but has since cooled off like the Fall season. In his last five games, the sophomore hasn’t surpassed the 50-yard receiving mark, but we’re banking on him blowing past that threshold in Week 9.

Stewart will set a new career high by finishing with over 150 yards receiving, leaving his 142-yard receiving performance back in Week 2 in the dust. South Carolina’s defense ranks 127th in the country, allowing 305.0 passing yards per game, so it’s the perfect opportunity for Stewart to torch those lining up across him.

3) Texas A&M’s defense records a season-high 10 sacks

A&M’s defense has been the lone silver lining amid a rough stretch of football over the last month or so. Namely, the defensive front has helped keep this team within fighting distance, as they’re tied for first in the SEC in total sacks (29). On Saturday, we’re predicting the Maroon and White set a new season high for bringing down Spencer Rattler.

The Aggies’ highest total of sacks in a game has been 7.0, back against Arkansas and Auburn. South Carolina ranks 132nd in the country in sacks allowed per game (5.0), which bumps up to 6.0 on the road. Why can’t A&M get four more on the day, especially coming out of the bye week with a chip on their shoulder?

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

Jimbo Fisher previews Texas A&M’s Week 9 matchup vs. South Carolina during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference

During Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, Jimbo Fisher discussed the Aggies’ offensive struggles while previewing the South Carolina matchup.

Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) is fresh off their bye week after two consecutive SEC losses to Alabama and Tennessee, but if there’s any good news to be had, the Aggies will return to Kyle Field to face the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks (2-5, 1-4 SEC) on Saturday afternoon.

On Wednesday, head coach Jimbo Fisher made his weekly appearance on the SEC Teleconference to preview the matchup while shedding light on the Aggies’ recent offensive struggles; Fisher, of course, stated that most of the said issues were based on a consistent lack of yes, “execution.”

“We were up around 40 (points per game). We were playing really well. And we played well in the first halves. We just have not played well in the second half of these last two games. We’ve got to make sure we are executing the whole game. We had opportunities.

“And we’ve got to be more consistent. We’ve got to keep being physical on the offensive line. But we’ve got to also be efficient at the quarterback and skill positions, and play a full game. The last two games have been uncharacteristic.

“And I give credit to the two teams we played. We played really good football teams that do a good job on defense, too. But there were some opportunities there. We’ve just got to execute at a high level in critical moments. If we can get that done, we can get back on track.”

Texas A&M’s lack of second-half offensive adjustments, not simply a lack of effort, is the primary reason for the Aggies’ recent struggles in the running and passing game, combined with two of the worst offensive line performances we’ve witnessed all year. However, the Gamecocks’ defense allows 31.7 PPG, which currently ranks 114th in the country. If Fisher believes that the recent issues were due to facing competent defenses, the Aggies should move the ball at will this weekend… right?

On the other side, the Aggies stifling 10th-ranked defense, tied for first in sacks with 29, will likely once again dominate in the trenches, especially against an equally porous South Carolina O-line, but going back to the Gamecocks’ defense, Fisher knows that despite the poor metrics, defensive coordinator Clayton White has several playmakers.

“Up front, they are very good and physical inside. The guys can rush. The backers are very active. The backers are downhill and physical. Secondary, (Nick Emannwori) is a very active guy. Corners are long. They use their physicality.

“Their leading tackler on their whole defense (Jalon Kilgore) is a freshman, which is a safety. He is a good, young player. And they will bring pressure. They will bring pressure at you and constantly attack you, is what they are trying to do.”

Texas A&M will host South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 28, as kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT. and will air on ESPN.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Five storylines to watch as Texas A&M faces South Carolina in Week 9

Will the O-line show any semblance of improvement? Will Jimbo play to win and not to lose? These are the storylines to follow in Week 9.

Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) is fresh off its bye week, ready to welcome South Carolina (2-5, 1-4 SEC) to Kyle Field on Saturday. A victory in Week 9 would not only get them back into the win column, but it could very well save their season.

That latter statement was not meant to be dramatic. In reality, A&M’s season is treading on thin ice after suffering back-to-back conference losses. The College Football Playoff and a run at winning the SEC West might be out the door, but there’s still very much to play for. Namely, to avoid a repeat spectacle of the 2022 season debacle.

For now, all the Maroon and White can do is take it one game at a time, beginning with Saturday’s showdown with the Gamecocks. South Carolina’s record on paper may not suggest they’re a threat, but by all means the Aggies cannot afford to overlook this foe. After all, it was the Gamecocks who walked away with a win when they last met a season ago.

Here are five storylines to keep an eye on as Texas A&M welcomes South Carolina in Week 9.

Texas A&M Week 9 Opponent Preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

Texas A&M will seek revenge as they host South Carolina on Saturday, having fallen 30-24 in last year’s matchup.

As Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) emerges from their bye week, the stakes could not be higher as they seek to close out the season strong. On deck is South Carolina (2-5, 1-4 SEC), who, despite what their records suggest, will provide an ample challenge for an Aggies team that has been in a rut.

More accurately, it’s been A&M’s offense that has been stuck in the mud and in need of a spark. Truth be told, the Aggies couldn’t have asked for a better bounce-back opponent than the Gamecocks. South Carolina allows 31.7 PPG to their opponents, which ranks 114th in the country.

A&M is an early favorite by two touchdowns, which is somewhat generous given their offensive performances over the last two weeks. Nonetheless, if the Maroona and White hope to get back into the win column, it starts with scouting the opponent ahead.

Here’s a preview of Texas A&M’s Week 9 opponent, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

South Carolina Gamecocks

2023 Record: 2-5 (1-4 SEC)

Head coach: Shane Beamer

Beamer is in the midst of his third season with South Carolina, boasting a 17-16 record to date through 33 games. Beamer led the Gamecocks to a win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in his first season while helping lead South Carolina to a 23rd-ranked finish in the final AP Top 25 poll last year.

Offensive leaders

QB Spencer Rattler

2023 stats: 70.8 completion percentage, 1,941 passing yards, 11 TD, 5 INTs

RB Mario Anderson

2023 stats: 396 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 47 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD

WR Xavier Legette

2023 stats: 38 receptions, 736 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs

Rattler didn’t have the most stellar game when he last matched up with the Aggies, having completed just 48.0 percent of his passes for 168 yards without a touchdown. Still, A&M can’t afford to overlook his presence in the pocket, a theme Jimbo Fisher echoed in his weekly press conference.

As for the Gamecocks’ leading receiver, Legette was injured in the first half of last week’s loss to Missouri and did not return to the game. He remains questionable, which is significant given how he adds another dynamic threat to South Carolina’s offense.

Defensive leaders

DB Jalon Kilgore

2023 stats: 36 solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, 1 INT

DL T.J. Sanders

2023 stats: 14 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups

Kilgore will provide an ample test for the likes of Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith, who lead the Aggies’ receiving corps. The 6’1″ freshman leads the Gamecocks with 36 solo tackles and 4.5 pass deflections. Meanwhile, in the trenches, Sanders will be the name to watch as he faces what has been a porous Aggies offensive line in pass protection.

Sanders has 7.5 tackles for loss to his name and leads South Carolina’s defense with 4.5 sacks on his resume this season.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

‘We rallied together over the bye…we can go out and win.’ Max Wright speaks on Texas A&M’s preparation for South Carolina

Ahead of a pivotal matchup vs. South Carolina, Max Wright is confident in the Aggies being locked in.

Please stop us if you’ve heard this before, but Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) heads into a critical matchup this weekend because they’re facing South Carolina (2-5, 1-4 SEC). Unlike the last two games, this one could very well determine the futures of some key figures in Aggieland.

For now, all Texas A&M can do is prepare for the opponent ahead of them. That was the tune that tight end Max Wright sang during Monday’s press conference, and it was appropriate to have a veteran leader like him at the podium now. The Aggies are at a fork in the road, and it’s up to this team to decide their path.

Do they allow the season to steer, of course, and derail in what would likely be a sequel to the 2022 debacle? Or, will this team prove that they are indeed different from a year ago, choosing to tackle adversity straight on and finish the season on a confident note?

If you ask Wright, he’s rolling with the latter. After the bye week came at an opportune time, the veteran tight end was emphatic in his belief that the Aggies would be locked in and prepared to steer the season back on course, beginning with Saturday’s bout against South Carolina.

Below is Max Wright’s full press conference ahead of facing South Carolina, as well as notable takeaways from his time at the podium.

‘We can still have a very successful season.’ Jimbo Fisher believes A&M can finish strong, starting with South Carolina

During his weekly presser, Jimbo Fisher was adamant that A&M could close out the season strong, starting with Saturday’s game against South Carolina.

All eyes will be on Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) as they welcome South Carolina (2-5, 1-4 SEC) to Kyle Field this weekend. As you can tell by their records, the must-watch matchup won’t be because of their track record of success this season.

If anything, Saturday’s matchup marks an unofficial “do or die” game for Jimbo Fisher as it pertains to his future in Aggieland. After the Aggies suffered back-to-back losses before the bye week, the slip-ups have essentially wiped away a shot at the College Football Playoff and a run at the SEC title game.

The truth of the matter is that there are more pressing issues at hand for the Maroon and White. Namely, the need to steer the season back on course to finish strong. If not, then it’s not an overstatement to say a disastrous end to the season could be the final straw for Fisher in College Station, no matter the cost.

The first step toward righting the ship is a matchup with South Carolina, who despite some stumbles this season, still pose a threat, namely on offense. The Aggies are early favorites by two touchdowns, but the Gamecocks bested A&M the last time these two met.

Hence, during his preview presser on Monday, Fisher was adamant that the Aggies’ preparation for Saturday’s matchup, which included a heavy emphasis on ironing out the fundamentals, could be a spark toward closing out the year strong.

Below is Jimbo Fisher’s full press conference ahead of facing South Carolina, as well as notable takeaways from his time at the podium.

Where does Oklahoma rank in most popular football teams compared to the future SEC?

Where do the Oklahoma Sooners rank in popularity compared to their future SEC foes ahead of the 2023 football season?

The Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns moving to the SEC is going to be huge on the field, but it’s also a big boon for the conference and its media rights holder, ESPN.

With the move to the SEC, Texas and Oklahoma bring two of the more popular football programs in the country. That’s why this move made so much sense for the SEC as well as the schools.

With SEC media days serving as a prologue to Oklahoma and Texas’ inclusion in the conference starting in 2024, let’s take a look at how the SEC stacks up among the most popular football programs in the country according to marketing research firm SBRNet and analyzed by Al.com.

Oklahoma Sooners all-time record vs. opponents on 2024 SEC schedule

A look at Oklahoma’s all-time record against the eight teams they’ll face in the SEC in 2024.

The 2024 season will be one of the more anticipated ones in college football history: The Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns move to the SEC, and the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins take their talents to the Big Ten.

All of that is happening in the same year that the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams, creating even more intrigue and anticipation. Teams that would be out of the hunt entering November will have something to play for down the stretch.

2024 is going to be bonkers, and we’re here for it.

Though it’s still a ways out, let’s take a look at Oklahoma’s all-time head-to-head record against the eight opponents they’ll play in their inaugural season in 2024.