South Carolina vs. Texas A&M: 5 gameday storylines, 5 key numbers
1. TURNSTILES
Every offense would have a hard time blocking Texas A&M’s defensive ends, since it’s a matter of math – double Myles Garrett, Daeshon Hall has a one-on-one matchup, or vice versa. The Gamecocks’ line has had a big problem protecting their QBs this year and now has to do it against the best DE tandem in the country. Perhaps Mason Zandi and D.J. Park will at least have the courtesy to scream, “He’s coming!”
2. LITTLE MAC
It’s Brandon McIlwain’s game, and he needs to add some layers to the basic cheeseburger of his game. He’s a freshman and still learning, but for USC to have any shot of winning, McIlwain has to eliminate all mistakes and produce some highlights.
3. KNOCKED OUT
Deebo Samuel was an integral part of the Gamecocks’ planned offense in the preseason. His bothersome hamstrings have gotten him into one game. Samuel could play Saturday, and if he does, USC’s offense could become effective. But problems are always a strain away.
4. 12TH THIS
No matter how good A&M or how bad USC looks, the game is at Williams-Brice Stadium. The crowd can supply a boost for the Gamecocks. That would require staying all four quarters and making cowbell-level noise every time the Aggies are on offense.
5. HAVING FITS WITH RUN FITS
Kentucky gashed USC last week with the same play in the fourth quarter – off-tackle left run. The Gamecocks blamed it on miscommunication and not sticking in the infamous Hoke-ism, “run fits.” With Trayveon Williams and Trevor Knight able to move the Aggies’ offense on the ground, USC had better fit, and hit.
FIVE NUMBERS
8, 4
South Carolina’s sacks given up this year and the season’s combined total from A&M edge rushers Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall.
14.3
The Gamecocks’ average points per game, which is 127th in the country, just ahead of Florida International’s 13.5.
4
Consecutive losses to a Top-10 team for USC since it last won one (Sept. 13, 2014, against No. 6 Georgia). Texas A&M is No. 9.
1
Touchdown plays of 15-plus yards A&M has allowed this year and USC has scored this year.
389/355
Aggies RB Trayveon Williams’ rushing yardage in four games/Combined yardage of USC’s A.J. Turner, David Williams and Brandon McIlwain in four games
This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 2:34 PM with the headline "South Carolina vs. Texas A&M: 5 gameday storylines, 5 key numbers."