Can LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina football upset Texas A&M again? Our prediction
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COLUMBIA — South Carolina football is in dire need of a win but have its toughest test of the season this week.
The Gamecocks (3-6, 1-6 SEC) travel to College Station, Texas, to play No. 3 Texas A&M on Nov. 15 (noon ET, ESPN).
The path to the College Football Playoff seems clear for the Aggies (9-0, 6-0) whereas South Carolina needs to win out to become bowl eligible.
South Carolina vs Texas A&M prediction
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has yet to win in College Station and it will take a lot for things to change this season. Plus, South Carolina embarrassed the Aggies last year which gives an extra edge to the rematch on their own turf.
The Gamecocks fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula on Nov. 2.
Similar to Auburn's fight against Vanderbilt in Week 11, where the Tigers put up 38 points after firing their head coach, South Carolina displays a much better performance on offense but Texas A&M is still too good to stop.
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M scouting report
Why South Carolina has an advantage: After Beamer fired offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley in October, Shawn Elliott's interim duties seemingly had a positive effect. While offensive coordinator is a much bigger job, the shake up could light a fire under South Carolina's offense.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is having an underwhelming year compared to preseason expectations but Texas A&M coach Mike Elko knows what he's capable of.
In 2024, the Aggies were undefeated in SEC play until Sellers disrupted their defense and threw for 244 yards, two touchdowns and had 106 rushing yards. He might just be the type of player that Texas A&M's defense struggles with.
"I see the same big, physical, athletic kid that ran all over us and threw all over us last year," Elko said Nov. 10.
Why Texas A&M has an advantage: The Aggies are performing at a high rate on all three levels.
Their offense is fourth in the SEC (459.8 total yards per game) whereas South Carolina is averaging half of that (last in SEC). They can run the ball (204.9 rushing yards per game) and that's an area where the Gamecocks' defense has struggled with, allowing 153.7 yards per game (14th worst).
Texas A&M is scoring nearly 40 points a game and South Carolina is averaging less than 20 (19.7).
Quarterback Marcel Reed has thrown over 2,000 yards and has 19 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He's a mobile quarterback with great protection, taking just seven total sacks. Reed's scored six of his own on the ground and has 378 rushing yards.
Two Texas A&M players sit in the top 10 in SEC receiving yards led by Mario Craver's 775. Craver was on the injury report and listed as questionable on Nov. 12 but he's an absolute game-changer if he's healthy.
South Carolina football injury report vs Texas A&M
South Carolina
- OL Cason Henry: Out
- OL Jatavius Shivers: Out
Texas A&M
- S Bryce Anderson: Out
- S Rashad Johnson Jr: Out
- RB Le'Veon Moss: Out
- LB Scooby Williams: Doubtful
- WR Mario Craver: Questionable
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M score prediction
Texas A&M 38, South Carolina 21
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina vs Texas A&M prediction, why Gamecocks won't upset Aggies again
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