Texas A&M enters its toughest stretch of the season, which is saying a lot after losing to LSU, Missouri, and Alabama on the road, all of which are currently ranked in both the US LBM Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25, while the Aggies' next opponent, South Carolina, is now ranked 23rd in the AP Top 25.
South Carolina is one of the hottest teams in the country, winning three straight in SEC play after blowing out Oklahoma on the road 45-25 behind quarterback LaNorris Sellers' four touchdowns, as the Gamecocks offense has been on point since starting the season 2-3, primarily due to Sellers' impressive play.
Texas A&M's defense held up for the most part during the Aggies' 31-20 road loss at Alabama, holding the Crimson Tide to 17 points, while the Aggies held a 20-17
lead late in the second half before the home team scored two consecutive touchdowns.
The Aggie defense has its problems, especially the anemic pass rush, while the coverage has given up too many explosive plays, and will be tested once again on Saturday. However, first-year OC Holmon Wiggins has been highly disappointing, failing to utilize a game plan that fits starting quarterback Marcel Reed's skill set, while Reed has regressed as a passer.
Even after South Carolina's dominant win over Oklahoma, the Aggies enter Week 10 as a seven-point underdog, and according to ESPN FPI, Texas A&M has just a 45.9% chance to defeat the Gamecocks (54.1%), which makes sense after watching both teams over the past two weeks.
Texas A&M will face South Carolina on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., airing on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Updated Texas A&M vs. South Carolina ESPN FPI prediction
