The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas A&M Aggies meet Saturday in college football action from Kyle Field. South Carolina is fresh off a matchup versus Missouri. In that outing the Gamecocks fell to 2-5 overall with a 22-point defeat. As for Texas A&M, they were idle on a bye last weekend. The Aggies are 4-3 overall this year after losing a tough one to Tennessee in their most recent appearance. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The Gamecocks stumbled to a rough 2-4 record out of the gate this year, but to be fair they also faced off against some very difficult teams during that time. The wins came versus Furman 47-21 and Mississippi State 37-30. Otherwise South Carolina fell to North Carolina 31-17, Georgia 24-14, Tennessee 41-20 and Florida 41-39—three of those four being nationally ranked. 

The Gamecocks had another tough matchup versus a ranked opponent last weekend at Missouri. In that one South Carolina faced a 24-3 deficit in the locker room and ultimately fell 34-12. Spencer Rattler finished with 217 yards and an interception, and Mario Anderson led the rush with 68 yards. Nyck Harbor added 50 yards from two catches to pace the receivers. 

South Carolina Gamecocks Team Facts

• The favorite has won each of South Carolina’s last eight games.
• The favorite has covered the spread in seven of South Carolina’s last eight games.
• South Carolina has lost the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
• Eight of South Carolina’s last nine October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Texas A&M Aggies 

Over on the Aggies’ side, they’ve faced some tricky squads this season so far as well, with mixed results. Texas A&M’s four wins have come versus New Mexico 52-10, LA-Monroe 47-3, Auburn 27-10 and Arkansas 34-22. Otherwise it’s been losses to Miami-FL 48-33, Alabama 26-20 and Tennessee 20-13. 

In the Tennessee matchup back on October 14, the Aggies were within one point at 14-13 heading into the fourth quarter but couldn’t score from there. Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson posted 223 yards with two picks, and Le’Veon Moss was the top rusher on 62 yards from 15 carries. Noah Thomas led the receivers on 75 yards off three grabs. 

Texas A&M Aggies Team Facts

• Texas A&M has lost each of its last six games in October.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of Texas A&M’s last five games.
• Texas A&M has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
• Each of Texas A&M’s last nine home games in October have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Texas A&M rank 34th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (19.9).
• Texas A&M has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 40+ points of any FBS team this season (2).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with the Aggies. Texas A&M played a great Tennessee team pretty well on the road in their last outing, and with the extra week of rest they should come into this matchup prepared. The Aggies played a sloppy game against the Volunteers though, notching 11 penalties (Tennessee had 12) and two turnovers along the way. The rushing game held the biggest offensive disparity, as the Volunteers out-gained the Aggies 232-54 on the ground. Texas A&M’s offense should match up better here, as they’ve scored 27 or more points in five of seven games so far. 

As for South Carolina, they weren’t able to do much against a great Missouri team over the weekend, but that was to be expected. The Gamecocks have scored 20 or more points in four of their last six games, so they can get things moving on offense when they’re so inclined. I don’t think they’ll be able to topple a rested Aggies defense in this one, though.