Scouting USC’s next opponent: The Texas A&M Aggies
When: Noon Saturday
Where: College Station, Texas
TV: SEC Network
Last week: The Aggies lost 23-3 at Ole Miss while putting up only 192 yards of total offense. Texas A&M has lost its last two games by a total of 38 points.
Three story lines
1. South Carolina’s opener last year against Texas A&M was the first sign that USC’s program might be on the decline. The Gamecocks were embarrassed by the Aggies, allowing 52 points and 680 total yards. USC views this game as a chance for redemption.
2. Carolina might be catching Texas A&M at the perfect time. Last season, the Aggies opened the season 5-0 before losing five of their next seven games. This year, Texas A&M started the season 5-0, but has dropped two straight.
3. USC kicker Elliott Fry is from Frisco, Texas, about three and a half hours from College Station. He is the only Texas native on Carolina’s roster.
Three players to watch
1. Texas A&M has a talented group of receivers and Christian Kirk leads the way. He is the team leader in catches with 41, yards with 625 and touchdowns with four.
2. Myles Garrett is one of the most dominant defensive ends in the nation. Through seven games he has 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also has seven quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles.
3. Defensive back Armani Watts leads the Aggies in tackles with 69 — 23 more than anyone else on the team.
Pick
Texas A&M 34, South Carolina 17. The Aggies have struggled the past two weeks, but have too much talent for Carolina. The Gamecocks will play with emotion and will keep it close for a while, but I think Texas A&M will pull away late.
Matt Connolly