How to watch Texas A&M vs. South Carolina: Preview, TV schedule, odds
The 2014 SEC season -- and live football on the SEC Network -- begins with the Aggies at the Gamecocks.
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
The SEC Network may have launched on Aug. 14, but the real action starts Thursday night when Texas A&M travels to South Carolina. Kickoff from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia is set for 6 p.m ET.
You want story lines? You've got story lines! Johnny Manziel: gone! Connor Shaw: gone! Jadeveon Clowney: gone! With so much key turnover, look to the coaches for consistency. Steve Spurrier is going into his 10th year with the Gamecocks, and he still has plenty of interesting things to say. Kevin Sumlin is in only his third season at A&M, but it feels like he's been answering dumb questions from the SEC media for years.
South Carolina is considered by many to be the favorite in the SEC East, and Texas A&M was picked by the media to finish sixth in the SEC West, so it’s tempting to assume a comfortable victory for the Gamecocks. But in a Week 1 game with question marks on both sides, any assumptions are likely foolish.
How to witness
TV: 6 p.m. ET, SEC Network (Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer, Maria Taylor)
Radio: South Carolina; Texas A&M
Online streaming: WatchESPN
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The numbers
Rankings and records: South Carolina enters 2014 ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 and Coaches’ Poll, coming off an 11-2 year and just missing out on an SEC Championship Game appearance. Texas A&M was 9-4 last season and starts the post-Johnny Manziel era at No. 20 in the Coaches’ Poll and No. 21 in the AP Top 25.
Vegas: South Carolina opened as a big 13-point favorite. Bettors have given A&M a little credit, but the Gamecocks are still favored by 10.5 at most sportsbooks. The over/under is hanging around 57.
Weather forecast: It’s going to be a hot and sunny one in Columbia, with a high of 97 and a low of 69.
Three names to know
More coverage of the SEC opener
More coverage of the SEC opener
Kenny Hill, Texas A&M QB
No big deal, Kenny. All you have to do is go out and replace one of the most prolific players in college football history. Hill stands 6’1 and weighs in at 215 pounds, and he’ll provide a real threat with his legs. He has some big shoes to fill, but maybe he’s the perfect man for the job. In mop-up duty last season, Hill was 16-of-22 passing for 183 yards and a touchdown.
Dylan Thompson, South Carolina QB
A&M isn’t the only school breaking in a QB, but for a new starter, Thompson has his fair share of experience. He played in double-digit games in each of the last two seasons, and all that playing time, especially in some high-pressure situations, should put him ahead of the typical first-year starter curve.
Mike Davis, South Carolina RB
Before Tre Mason exploded for Auburn at the end of the year, Davis looked like he was quite possibly the SEC’s best back in 2013. He finished the season with 1,183 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5.8 yards per carry in 12 games, and he could be in for an All-American season in 2014.
Two things at stake
It’s the first game of the year, and it’s a conference game. Neither team wants to start the race to Atlanta in an 0-1 hole.
Texas A&M would like to prove the doubters wrong. With no Manziel, many are predicting a slide for the Aggies. A road win over a top-10 team to begin the season would shut some mouths.
Further reading
For more on South Carolina, visit Garnet and Black Attack. For all things Aggies, check out Good Bull Hunting.
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