The Texas A&M Aggies (5-2, 2-2 in the SEC) seem to have their backs up against a wall as they welcome the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-4, 1-4 in conference) to College Station looking to break a two-game losing streak.
How to watch South Carolina vs. Texas A&M on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Aggies, possibly in desperation mode, welcome South Carolina to Kyle Field.
Kevin Sumlin's program appears to be at a bit of a crossroads, out of the Top 25 after a 23-3 loss at Ole Miss last week. Kyle Allen has completely collapsed, and followed up his three-interception performance against Alabama with just 88 yards against the Rebels, including a stretch of 13 straight incompletions in the third quarter. Overall, Allen is completing just 43 percent of his passes in his last 10 quarters. But what are the options for change? Freshman Kyler Murray had played early on, but it was JUCO transfer Jake Hubenack who relieved Allen, not Murray. A doghouse situation? Could be. But without a running game to lean on, A&M has to get their quarterback situation figured out, fast.
South Carolina comes in off of an open date, but at least managed to get interim head coach Shawn Elliot a win in his debut two weeks ago. Could he potentially keep the job beyond this season? Hard to say, but stealing a win in College Station would certainly help. With Tennessee, Florida, the Citadel and Clemson still on the schedule, there's really only one more gimme win left. That means if the Gamecocks are going to get to bowl eligibility, a win this Saturday is crucial.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, noon ET, SEC Network
Radio: South Carolina, Texas A&M
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: Texas A&M is favored by 16 points.
Make friends: Good Bull Hunting has all the info Aggies need on this matchup, while Gamecock fans can talk about the game over at Garnet and Black Attack.
Three big things to know
1. Who starts at QB?
In the wake of all the issues out of the last two weeks, Sumlin’s Tuesday press conference appeared to re-open the quarterback position between Allen, Murray and Hubenack, with the announcement of a new starter on Friday. There have been rumors and reports of division in the locker room that Sumlin has tried to shoot down, but nevertheless the Aggies are badly in need of a spark.
2. Cry havoc!
The Aggies rank second nationally in defensive line havoc rate, mostly due to the explosive defensive end duo of Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall. They've been good enough to overcome a fairly pedestrian run defense. But South Carolina has allowed all of 32 tackles for loss on the season, so Aggies may have to work to rack up the negative plays.
The Gamecocks’ star receiver ranks fifth in the SEC in receptions and third in yards and is always worth watching, whether he’s making plays as a receiver, wildcat QB or on special teams. The Aggies’ secondary has been stout at times but South Carolina will move Cooper around and find the mismatch.
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