5 Bold Predictions for Texas A&M Football vs. South Carolina

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) in action during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) in action during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
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Texas A&M Football player Walter Nolen
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) in action during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Bold Predictions for Upcoming Texas A&M Football Game

Texas A&M football faces off against their first opponent after the bye on Saturday, with the South Carolina Gamecocks rolling into town hoping to get their first-ever win at Kyle Field. That’s a daunting prospect for the Gamecocks, though, as they are currently 14.5 point underdogs at the time of writing. So what might we see in this game? Let’s take a look.

Texas A&M football limits Rattler to 6 YPA or below

Spencer Rattler is one of the most talented quarterbacks that the Aggies will face this year when it comes to pure ability. His placement, especially on the dreaded deep ball, is impeccable at times. However, when on the road this year, Rattler has been a much different player than when at home (85.7% completion at home vs. 63.5% on the road; 12.3 YPA vs 6.4 YPA; 10 TDs/1 INT vs. 1 TD/4INTs). I don’t think that trend flips in Kyle.

Texas A&M football notches season-high in sacks

South Carolina is the third opponent the Aggies will face this year residing in the proverbial cellar of FBS teams in sack rate allowed. By sacks per game allowed, the Gamecocks (128th) are worse than Arkansas (123rd) but a smidge better than Alabama (130th)—of course, the latter two teams have already played Texas A&M football, where the Gamecocks have yet to do so. If the Aggies build a lead early and force Carolina to play catch-up, things could get ugly up front for SC. North Carolina got nine sacks against this Gamecock team; I’m thinking the Aggies can match that.