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FULL PREVIEW – Texas A&M Football vs. South Carolina

By Graham Harmon

Oct 21, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) throws a pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) throws a pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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When South Carolina has the ball against Texas A&M football

The Gamecocks have relied heavily on Spencer Rattler and the passing game to carry their offense this year. Xavier Legette has been a monster at receiver; though most of his production came in the game against Mississippi State, his physical tools are evident, and he is always a threat to break out. This is true of him on special teams as well, as the Aggies well remember—Legette returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown against Texas A&M football in the game last year.

Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, it appears that Legette may not play against the Aggies. He exited the game versus Missouri with an upper-body injury and did not return. Shane Beamer characterized his status this week as “questionable” to play in the game this weekend. WR Juice Wells remains out, and things don’t look too rosy for fellow receiver Ahmarean Brown’s availability, either. The Gamecocks may have to lean heavily on transfers O’Mega Blake and TE Trey Knox as well as true freshman and former-five star Nyck Harbor to be their top targets in this contest.

The run game in Columbia has been a struggle, as has been their offensive line overall. If Aggie fans think they have it bad up front, just take a look at the line play for the Gamecocks: they allowed 9 sacks to North Carolina, have yet to average over 5 YPC in any game (including against Furman), and have a season-long average of 2.95 YPC. They allow 4.29 sacks per game, roughly in the same neighborhood as Alabama and Arkansas, so this will be another opportunity for the Aggie defensive front to tee off. Transfer RB Mario Anderson has been a boon for the Gamecock rushing attack, but even with his ability I’m not sure they’ll be able to get much on the ground against this front.