Five bold predictions: Texas A&M football defensively dominates South Carolina on the road
Texas A&M football is walking into what coach Mike Elko called their toughest test yet this season as they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. Let's make some predictions for how this test might shake out.
Nic Scourton registers a sack-fumble
With the insanely high sack rate that the Gamecocks give up and LaNorris Sellers's proclivity to lose fumbles, it feels like just a matter of time until the Aggies' first-rounder makes a play like this in this game. A play like this could be huge in this game, as I foresee things coming down to turnovers when all is said and done.
Texas A&M holds Carolina under 2.5 YPC
Helped a bit by the number of sacks that the Aggies will rack up, I think their front can stymy the Gamecocks. Only twice has USC notched more than 3.6 YPC, and that was against LSU (where they had two 70+-yard runs) and Akron. This will be the toughest rush defense the Gamecocks have faced, and they won't be able to make anything happen up front.
Aggies hit a long touchdown pass
Whether it's Marcel Reed or Conner Weigman, it feels like the Aggies are due for a breakout, down-the-field pass for a score. They've hit some plays underneath that have gone for a long distance, and sometimes the receivers make big catches downfield, but that latter category too seldom involves a run and score after the catch. I've got my eye on Bussey, Barber, and Thomas to maybe make some noise here.
A&M plays turnover-free football
This is probably the boldest prediction here, as the Gamecocks have forced at least one turnover in every single game they've played this year. More often than not, it's multiple. Taking care of the football is paramount, and the Aggies have been relatively disciplined in that regard this year. They'll need to keep that trend going if they want to emerge with a win.
Aggies hold Carolina to single digits
If all this happens like I've predicted, then I think A&M will get out of Columbia with a really decisive win. This is a really bad matchup for the Carolina offense, and I think A&M can play ball control and field position for a lot of the game. The Ags will need to get the crowd out of it early with some disciplined play on both sides of the ball (and especially on special teams). If they do that, Carolina won't crack double digits.