Garnet and Cocky
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Can South Carolina beat Texas A&M?

By Tristan Dixon

COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 23: The South Carolina Gamecocks run onto the field before their game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 23: The South Carolina Gamecocks run onto the field before their game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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After South Carolina beat Missouri, Gamecock fans felt they would easily be 4-0 going into the game against Texas A&M. Now Gamecock fans are wondering if they can even beat the Aggies this Saturday.

Remember how it felt after the Gamecocks beat Missouri 31-13? The Gamecocks were looking like they had one of the better defenses in the SEC East and their offense looked like it was going to be unstoppable. I included, thought Jake Bentley was the best QB in the SEC and that the Gamecocks depth and weapons at the receiver and running back positions would be the reason they could win the East this year. Fast forward to the Kentucky game and the one point win against LA Tech and I, along with many Gamecock fans are worried.

South Carolina Gamecocks Football
South Carolina Gamecocks Football /

South Carolina Gamecocks Football

Gamecocks are worried because their offense doesn’t look like they can produce without their star play-maker, Deebo Samuel. Jake Bentley has had a hard time being accurate on his throws and the defense is now without star player Bryson Allen-Williams. And to top it all off fans are angry with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper, for his poor play calling. This game looked like a easy win with all the controversy that surrounded Texas A&M when Kevin Sumlin was looking like he could be fired at any moment. Now South Carolinas problems seem to be even bigger than the 3-1 Aggies.

My attitude going into game predictions for the Gamecocks is always with my heart first rather than my brain. In my eyes and many other Gamecock fans, we believe we could win every game when our team shows heart and talent like we showed in the first two games. The Gamecocks can still upset the Aggies, but the odds are not in our favor.

COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 23: Jake Bentley
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 23: Jake Bentley /

Kurt Roper has to believe in Jake Bentley and let him throw the ball deep. Steve Spurrier use to call plays to throw the ball deep several times in a game just to keep the defense on their toes and respect the passing game his Gamecocks had. Jake Bentley has to also tighten up his passes and make sure he his hitting his receivers on target and allow for them to run with the ball instead of throwing it behind them and forcing them to get tackled instead of running down the field for the touchdown. The defense has to step up and put the game on their shoulders and allow for the offense to get through their struggles in the run and passing game.

Here’s the bottom line, the talent is still not quite there. Muschamp needs to hit the recruiting trail hard this year, especially for a kicker. Texas A&M, despite their struggles they have had this year have a roster full of 4 star and 5 star players. The Gamecocks have always struggled against their SEC West opponets and the Aggie crowd Saturday night I believe will be to much for the Gamecocks to handle at their injured state they are in. As much as it hurts for me to say, I think the Gamecocks will lose this week to the Aggies,

34-24 Texas A&M wins.

When: Saturday, September 30, 7:30 PM on SECN

Where: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas

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