South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Betting prediction

South Carolina Gamecocks (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS)
College Football Week 9
Date/Time: Saturday, October 28th, 2023. 3:30 PM (EST)
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
TV: SECN

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: SCAR +14/A&M -14
Moneyline: SCAR +350/A&M -800
Total: 54.5

Last week, the South Carolina Gamecocks dropped their 3rd game in a row in a disappointing 34-12 defeat to no. 20 Missouri. Despite the dismal 2-5 SU record, the Gamecocks had been relatively competitive in all their contests this season, suffering close losses against top teams like North Carolina and Georgia. However, last week’s loss seemed to indicate a lot of the competitiveness has evaded Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks as they were beaten heavily in all areas of the game. This week, South Carolina’s willpower will be put to the test again when they travel to College Station for a meeting with the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field.

After dropping back-to-back losses to Tennessee and Alabama, the Aggies enjoyed an “off” week to heal their wounds. The Aggies’ 2023 campaign was somewhat derailed in late September when starting QB Conner Weigman went down for the season with an ankle injury. Since that time, QB Max Johnson has taken the reins but has struggled significantly in his first three starts with four interceptions. With the extra week of preparation, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies coaching staff had some extra time to get the true sophomore more acclimated with the offense and perhaps change some things to suit his strengths. Perhaps we will see if the Aggies show any improvement on the offensive side of the football, and they will likely need to in order to cover a rather lofty 14-point betting spread.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Betting Analysis

In breaking down the match-ups for this game, I will say the Aggies’ defense will be the 2nd best unit the Gamecocks have faced this season behind Georgia. If you have followed South Carolina football this season, perhaps you are aware that the Gamecocks have had terrible issues on the offensive front and essentially do not have a running game. QB Spencer Rattler has been solid but he can literally only do so much. Against a very athletic defense like Texas A&M, I’m expecting the Aggies to get relentless pressure on Rattler and really make things difficult for the South Carolina passing attack.

On the other side of the football, the Aggies still have a shaky quarterback situation with Max Johnson. However, if there is anything to help a struggling quarterback, it is South Carolina’s defense which has allowed 304 yards per game through the air. The Gamecocks were ranked dead last in the FBS against the pass just a week ago, and their statistics still rank in the bottom 5 teams in college football. Receivers Ainias Smith and Evan Stewart should have great opportunities in this game. However, even if the passing offense hiccups with Johnson behind center, I still believe the Aggies’ defense is going to continue to put them in strong positions throughout the game. With the help of the run game, I expect Texas A&M to wear down this South Carolina defense.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Betting Trends

• South Carolina is 1-4 SU in the last 5 games
• South Carolina has hit the “over” in 7 of the last 10 games.
• South Carolina is 5-15 SU in the last 20 games on the road.
• South Carolina is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 games against Texas A&M.
• Texas A&M is 6-3 ATS in the last 9 games.
• Texas A&M is 5-1 SU in the last 6 games at home.
• Texas A&M is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games against South Carolina.
• Texas A&M has hit the “under” in 5 of the last 7 games against South Carolina.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Betting Prediction

I backed Missouri against the Gamecocks last week because I thought there were big mismatches on both sides of the ball. The Gamecocks could make things interesting with a big performance on the offensive side of the football; however, I just don’t believe the match-up supports the idea of that happening. I think South Carolina’s spirit was crushed last week, and this is another daunting match-up against the Aggies’ defense.

Jay’s Pick: Take Texas A&M -14