Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0 SEC) is riding high after defeating LSU 38-23 in one the more memorable comebacks in program history after trailing 17-7 at halftime, as head coach Mike Elko’s second-half change to quarterback Marcel Reed resulted in five consecutive scoring drives.
Defensively, the Aggie secondary was less than stellar in the first half, allowing LSU to connect on several explosive plays downfield.
Still, as we’ve seen all season long, Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s adjustments led to three LSU turnovers, including senior corner BJ Mayes’ two interceptions in the third quarter, while Texas A&M’s pass rush recorded two sacks against the Tigers’ stout offensive line.
This week, the focus shifts to the toughest remaining game on the schedule outside of facing the Texas Longhorns: the Aggies’ Week 10 road trip to Columbia (SC) to face the South Carolina Gamecocks for another Saturday night showdown.
On Monday, head coach Mike Elko quickly noted how tough South Carolina’s borderline elite defensive line has been despite the Gamecock’s 4-3 record, as close losses to Alabama and LSU still haunt the program this season.
“They’re extremely talented. Their front is phenomenal. … They’re athletic at the second level. They have a first-round safety.”
“Watching them, they allow their defensive line to impact the game, and what they’ve done is successfully turn people over and create opportunities for their offense. … It’s, by far, the best group we’ve played to date.”
While the Aggies’ offensive line will need to be much, much better in pass protection compared to their performance against the Tigers, Texas A&M’s defensive line, led by junior defensive end Nic Scourton, is the key to controlling the game and limiting Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers and forcing the dual-threat into errant throws.
Statistically, Texas A&M averages 3.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss, while South Carolina is currently ranked 132nd in sacks allowed with 4.5 per game and 133rd in tackles for loss allowed with over 9 per contest.
While Scourton’s weekly impact is certainly needed, another collective effort from, especially inside with defensive tackles Shemar Turner, Albert Regis, and DJ Hicks, need to eliminate the run early and slowly but surely make their way into the backfield as the game wears on.
Texas A&M will travel to Columbia to face South Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on either ABC or ESPN+.
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