Staff predictions for Week 12 matchup between Texas A&M and South Carolina

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No. 3 Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC) is set to host South Carolina (3-6, 1-6 SEC) on Saturday afternoon, as the Aggies return to Kyle Field for the first time in over a month after blowing out Missouri 38-17 in Week 11. This week, head coach Mike Elko previewed the matchup, emphasizing the need to avoid a letdown against a lesser opponent after three consecutive road wins.

However, despite the Gamecocks’ record, starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers was a nightmare matchup for A&M’s defense last season, leading to South Carolina’s 44-20 win, which all but derailed the Aggies’ 2024 season. Sellers threw for nearly 250 yards and two touchdowns combined with over 100 yards on the ground during last year’s contest, but has struggled from the pocket throughout the 2025 season.

Texas A&M’s 17th-ranked offense and 23rd-ranked defense have led to consecutive 20-plus-point road wins over LSU and Missouri. In contrast, South Carolina’s 127th-ranked offense has yet to find any consistency through the air or on the ground. Still, Texas A&M’s run defense, which allowed over 200 yards against the Tigers, struggled to tackle in space, a key to the Gamecocks having any shot at pulling off the upset.

I don’t consider this a “trap game” by any means, given how the Aggies played on the road, but in the SEC, nothing is guaranteed in November, and starting quarterback Marcel Reed isn’t taking this revenge game for granted after struggling in Williams-Brice Stadium this time last season.

Ahead of the early 11:00 a.m. kickoff, here are our official Aggies Wire staff predictions for No. 3 Texas A&M vs. South Carolina.

Cameron Ohnysty — Lead Writer

Unlike Texas A&M’s last three road games, South Carolina’s immense struggles on offense should lead to a lopsided matchup, especially knowing that Gamecocks quarterback La’Norris Sellers has been sacked 33 times, already equaling last season’s total.

Set to face Texas A&M’s ascending defensive line, led by Cashius Howell’s 10.5 sacks, including 34 total sacks on the year, Sellers will more than likely be under pressure on nearly every snap, but while South Carolina run game isn’t a threat, Sellers’ ability to make play with his legs could be an issue for the Aggies’ spotty run defense.

However, after allowing over 200 yards on the ground against Missouri, even in a blowout win, Mike Elko was not pleased with his team’s performance against the run, which included double-digit missed tackles. This is a good sign heading into the game, knowing that we should be a vast improvement, especially from star linebacker Taurean York.

Texas A&M WR Mario Craver is listed as questionable for Saturday. Suppose he can’t play. In that case, KC Concepcion, Ashton Bethel-Roman, and Terry Bussey are more than capable of producing explosive plays, as Marcel Reed should have time in the pocket to deliver strikes, paired with a 19th-ranked run game that looks to exploit South Carolina’s porous run defense.

Right now, I see this turning into Texas A&M’s third consecutive blowout if the Aggies avoid early-game jitters.

Prediction: Texas A&M 42, South Carolina 17

Dylan Flippo — Contributor

With just three games remaining in the regular season, Texas A&M is on the verge of securing some major postseason appearances. Led by sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed, who is a top-five Heisman candidate, the Aggies’ offense has been firing on all cylinders through the air and on the ground.

In the absence of running back Le’Veon Moss, Rueben Owens II and freshman Jamarion Morrow have stepped up and contributed significantly in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the Aggie defensive unit has played lights out, leading the SEC with 34.0 sacks and averaging 3.78 per game.

Finding ways to apply pressure to South Carolina’s dangerous dual-threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be massive for the Aggies. If Texas A&M can contain Sellers and electric targets like Nyck Harbor, the Maroon and White should be able to avenge last year’s loss in Columbia.

Prediction: Texas A&M 38, South Carolina 10

Jarrett Johnson — Contributor

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko rarely dwells on the past. But when asked about South Carolina this week, he didn’t hesitate to remind reporters who ran all over the Aggies last season: LaNorris Sellers. That road loss to the Gamecocks wasn’t just a bad night—it was the turning point of the season. A&M dropped three of its final four games after that, and Sellers’ breakout performance put him on the national radar.

Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a new day in College Station. Elko’s squad has flipped the script, finding ways to win in multiple styles. They’ve looked like a completely different team—more balanced, more resilient, and far more explosive.

South Carolina still poses threats, and Sellers remains the biggest one. While he’s not quite as fast as Arkansas’ Tylan Green, he’s a powerful runner who’s tough to bring down. That said, his physicality hasn’t consistently translated to points. The Gamecocks are averaging just 19.7 points per game and sit near the bottom of the SEC in total offense.

Defensively, South Carolina has flashed at times but struggles to generate pressure. With only 17 sacks on the season—half of A&M’s total—they’ll have a hard time disrupting Marcel Reed and the Aggies’ rhythm. Reed has been surrounded by complementary weapons all season, and outside of the 16-10 win over Auburn, A&M has scored at least 30 points in every game.

For South Carolina to pull off the upset, a lot has to go right for them—and wrong for the Aggies. But with this being the final regular-season SEC game at Kyle Field, and the first home game in a month, expect Elko’s squad to come out swinging. They haven’t forgotten last year. And they’re ready to give the 12th Man something to cheer about.

Prediction: Texas A&M 34, South Carolina 17

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs South Carolina: Staff predictions ahead of Week 12

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