The Texas A&M Aggies and the South Carolina Gamecocks are getting ready for a crucial game. Texas A&M has only lost once this season, to Notre Dame in the first week, while the Gamecocks are 4-3 overall.
Having said that, there are early signs that this game may be closer than it appears.
The Aggies are in the lead in the SEC after their recent decisive victory over LSU. Their formidable defence is largely to blame for their current status as a threat.
The topic of where South Carolina should aim to attack the Aggies’ defence arises because head coach Mike Elko’s side is now playing some of the conference’s most reliable and elite defences.
You would think through the air if you only looked at the numbers. Texas A&M’s rush defence is among the top 20 in the nation, and its passing defence is ranked 91st.
Nonetheless, it may be argued that in order to defeat the Aggies in the end, it is more crucial to attempt attacking them on the ground.
Against Texas A&M, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier attempted 50 passes, but the team only attempted 23 rushes.
Additionally, they only gained one yard on average per carry. After the Aggies were able to stop the run, their defensive lives became much easier.
South Carolina’s offence may not have a good time if they allow the Aggies to push them to be one-dimensional on Saturday.
The good news for the Gamecocks is that both Raheim Sanders and LaNorris Sellers can contribute significantly to the run game and have demonstrated that they are capable of doing so with explosiveness.
To improve their chances of winning on Saturday, South Carolina needs to figure out how to set up the run.
