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Texas A&M’s hopes of a trip to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff are in danger after a Saturday night upset by South Carolina.
South Carolina won 44-20 over the visiting Aggies to deal No. 10 Texas A&M their first loss to an SEC opponent.
The loss ended Texas A&M’s undefeated 5-0 streak against conference opponents. There are now no remaining SEC teams yet to suffer a loss to a conference opponent this season.
The Texas A&M defense struggled to limit South Carolina as the Gamecocks finished the game with 530 total yards, including 288 on the ground.
The loss led to fan criticism of Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko just one week after he received praise for his team’s performance against conference rival LSU.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer had a different end to his Saturday night as he was swarmed by fans storming the field after the win.
The victory marked the Gamecocks’ first ranked win under Beamer since the program’s upsets of Tennessee and Clemson at the end of the 2022 season.
Ben Portnoy @bportnoy15
I don’t think ~that~ many people are surprised South Carolina showed up, but I still think this is one of the more underrated teams nationally. <br><br>A couple plays away from beating Alabama and LSU and now a signature win over A&M. <br><br>Shane Beamer has himself a squad in Columbia.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed went 18-of-28 for 206 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the loss. After his passing touchdown at the end of the second quarter, the Aggies failed to reach the end zone for the rest of the game. Amari Daniels recorded 13 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.
South Carolina signal caller LaNorris Sellers meanwhile went 13-of-27 for 244 yards, two touchdowns and no interception to lead the Gamecocks to victory. Joshua Simon hauled down four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns, while Tonka Hemingway, Dylan Stewart and T.J. Sanders recorded sacks.
The biggest matchup of Texas A&M’s season is yet to come. The Aggies are slated to face the rival Texas Longhorns in the Nov. 30 season finale.
The first CFP rankings of the season come out on Tuesday. The Aggies will hope to win out over New Mexico State, Auburn and No. 6 Texas in order to continue their at-large bid.