Following the bye week, the Gamecocks football team (3-6) will be on the road for a matchup against the No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies (9-0) from Kyle Field.
With only three games remaining in the regular season, the Gamecocks will have to win their three final games to make a bowl game. Starting with their upcoming matchup against the Aggies, South Carolina will have to play complementary football to pull off the upset.
Offensively, the Gamecocks cannot afford to put themselves behind the sticks when playing against the Aggies defensive front. Ranking last in the SEC in total offense per game going into one of the most hostile environments in college football, the Gamecocks have to be disciplined.
An area where the Gamecocks have struggled, the offensive line will not catch a break this week either. For the Gamecocks, playing their fifth consecutive ranked opponent, strong defensive fronts can pay dividends for a team. The Aggies defensively sack opposing quarterbacks on 10% of their drop backs, ranking third in the nation.
Sophomore edge rusher Dylan Stewart, who has battled injuries in multiple games this season, has benefited from the bye week among other Gamecocks who have been in the injury report, according to head coach Shane Beamer.
Stewart, who has 3.5 sacks on the year to go along with two forced fumbles, has the ability to be a game-wrecker. He will face a dinged-up but versatile Aggie offensive line on Saturday.
Creating pressure and making Aggie quarterback and redshirt sophomore Marcel Reed uncomfortable in the pocket is vital. The Heisman hopeful is leading the number eight scoring offense, and the Gamecocks defensively will have to be sound in order to contain Reed.
Out of the pocket, Reed is arguably more dangerous, and the Aggies are pairing him with an improved run game. Sophomore running back Rueben Owens II is coming off his second 100-yard rushing game against No. 22 Missouri last week.
Offensively for the Gamecocks, vast improvement is needed in hopes of a victory. Following the loss to Ole Miss, Beamer fired offensive coordinator Mike Shula. After relieving Shula of his duties just nine games into his tenure, wide receivers coach Mike Furrey was named the offensive play caller.
The change of coordinator comes in response to the Gamecocks being ranked last in the SEC in passing and rushing yards in addition scoring a league-low 19.7 points per game.
Furrey will look to provide a spark to the offense in its most trying stretch of the season. Winning the three remaining games to become bowl eligible can change the outlook on an otherwise disappointing season.
“Little bit less of some stuff, maybe a little bit more of things but ultimately doing what gives us the best chance to be successful and fits our players,” Beamer said.
Increasing the tempo against Texas A&M head coach and defensive play caller Mike Elko can be an advantage to limit him schematically.
“He doesn't want us to think too much. He wants us to go out there and play with confidence and obviously know what to do but be able to do it fast,” graduate quarterback Luke Doty said.
Going against senior defensive end Cashius Howell, who is third in the nation in sacks, tiring out the defense can leave opportunities for the Gamecocks' playmakers.
The Aggies defense ranks number one, only giving up 23% of third down conversions. The Gamecocks, who have struggled on third down, have the opportunity to change their strategy with Furrey calling the plays.
Last season, when the two teams faced off at Williams-Brice Stadium, the Gamecocks took home the victory. Winning the game against the then-No. 10 ranked Aggies, fans stormed the field in a defining win for the Gamecocks last season.
All-time, the Aggies have had the edge in head-to-head matchups against the Gamecocks. Coming into the matchup, Texas A&M is 9-2 against South Carolina, including 5-0 when playing in College Station.
What’s next?
The Gamecocks (3-6, 1-6 SEC) square off with No. 3 Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC) on Nov. 15. The game will kick off from Kyle Field in College Station, Texas at noon and will be broadcast on ESPN.