One of the premier matchups of the weekend takes place in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday night.
The Texas A&M Aggies (7-1, 5-0 SEC) will put its undefeated record in SEC play on the line against a South Carolina Gamecocks team (4-3, 2-3) that is much better than its record may suggest. This game has major implications for the SEC race as well as the College Football Playoff.
Texas A&M enters as a -3 favorite with an over/under of 44.
Let's dive into my Texas A&M vs. South Carolina predictions and college football picks for Saturday, Nov. 2.
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Prediction
- Texas A&M vs. South Carolina Pick: South Carolina +3
My Texas A&M vs. South Carolina best bet is on the Gamecocks to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Odds
Texas A&M Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -108 | 44 -108o / -112u | -142 |
South Carolina Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -112 | 44 -108o / -112u | +120 |
- Texas A&M vs South Carolina Point Spread: Texas A&M -3 (-112) · South Carolina +3 (-108)
- Texas A&M vs South Carolina Over/Under: 44 Points
- Texas A&M vs South Carolina Moneyline: Texas A&M -142 · South Carolina +120
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Preview
Texas A&M Aggies Betting Preview: Lean on the Defense
Many thought it was going to be same old Texas A&M after the opening night home loss to Notre Dame, but boy, have the Aggies put it together since that point.
It hasn't really mattered who has been the quarterback — A&M has found ways to win whether Conner Weigman or Marcel Reed has gotten the start.
Reed has been a key difference-maker, however, which was no more evident than last week against LSU when he entered the game in the third quarter and completely willed the Aggies back into control.
LSU had absolutely no answer for Reed's rushing ability, and he ended up finding the end zone three times on the ground.
I would say it's a safe assumption he'll now get the start in Columbia, and the South Carolina defense will be the most difficult challenge he's faced all year.
On the other side of the ball, Mike Elko has once again built a reliable and well-disciplined defensive unit. That has been Elko's calling card throughout his coaching career, and the Aggies' defensive metrics are elite in 2024.
Texas A&M turned Garrett Nussmeier and LSU over three times last Saturday, and it ranks 10th in Havoc for the season.
I think the Aggies offense will struggle at times in a raucous environment here, so it will need to lean on the defense to keep the Gamecocks in check.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview: Sellers is the X-Factor
South Carolina is a couple of plays away from being 6-1 and right in the thick of the SEC race, but the Gamecocks could not close out games against LSU and Alabama.
That said, Shane Beamer has done a nice job with this team, and there's plenty to be excited about moving forward.
Just like A&M, the defensive numbers are really solid, highlighted by a top-1o pass defense and a Havoc ranking even higher than the Aggies at sixth nationally.
The South Carolina offense has been a little bit up-and-down, but when LaNorris Sellers has been healthy and on the field, it has been its most dynamic. Sellers should be at full strength for this one and bring an added dimension to the offense with his ability to use his legs.
Taking care of the football and leaning on the home crowd will be important for the Gamecocks. From there, forcing a turnover or two from A&M could go a long way in ultimately deciding this one.
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Texas A&M and South Carolina match up statistically:
Texas A&M Offense vs. South Carolina Defense
Offense | Defense | Edge | |
Rush Success | 33 | 88 | |
Line Yards | 24 | 57 | |
Pass Success | 84 | 7 | |
Havoc | 2 | 6 | |
Finishing Drives | 43 | 33 | |
Quality Drives | 55 | 22 |
South Carolina Offense vs. Texas A&M Defense
Offense | Defense | Edge | |
Rush Success | 91 | 11 | |
Line Yards | 85 | 4 | |
Pass Success | 113 | 56 | |
Havoc | 130 | 10 | |
Finishing Drives | 94 | 20 | |
Quality Drives | 108 | 36 |
Pace of Play / Other
PFF Tackling | 87 | 60 |
PFF Coverage | 85 | 2 |
Special Teams SP+ | 15 | 70 |
Middle 8 | 47 | 95 |
Seconds per Play | 28.9 (110) | 27.5 (76) |
Rush Rate | 64% (8) | 64% (23) |
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Pick & Prediction
I absolutely love this spot for the Gamecocks coming off a bye with two weeks to prepare for an A&M team having to travel east off its biggest win in the last few years.
Elko is a great coach and should have his team ready to go with so much to play for, but there will be an emotional toll for the Aggies after a chaotic win at Kyle Field over LSU.
South Carolina has the horses within its defensive interior to get pressure on the quarterback and contain the mobility of Reed.
Williams-Brice Stadium will be absolutely rocking for this one, and I think South Carolina is up to the task to not only cover as a small underdog but to pull off the outright upset.
Let the carnage continue in the SEC.
Pick: South Carolina +3 (Play to +2 or ML at +100 or Better)
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Start Time, TV Channel, How to Watch
Location: | Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC |
Date: | Saturday, Nov. 2 |
Kickoff Time: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
TV / Streaming: | ABC |
Texas A&M heads to Columbia on Saturday to face South Carolina at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Texas A&M vs South Carolina Betting Trends
- 83% of bets and 91% of the money are on Texas A&M to cover the spread
- 57% of bets and 97% of the money on the moneyline are on Texas A&M to win outright
- 93% of bets and 91% of the money are on the over
Betting trends via our live, updating NCAAF public betting & money percentages page.