Clash vs. South Carolina akin to an appraisal in A&M's salvage process
Think of Texas A&M’s Southeastern Conference football losses to Alabama and Tennessee as a crash.
Now think of the Aggies’ clash with South Carolina (2-5, 1-4) as a mechanic’s appraisal.
The Aggies (4-3, 2-2) learn on Saturday at Kyle Field whether their season can be repaired or if it’s totaled.
Kickoff is at 11 a.m.
A&M is in danger of another season falling apart. It could be similar to last year when the Aggies suffered through a six-game losing streak en route to a 5-7 debacle.
Or the Aggies could fix recurring problems — missed tackles, missed assignments, missed opportunities — and salvage their season with a five-game winning streak.
“We can still have a very successful season,” A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said. “It’s not exactly what we wanted, but at the same time, (we) can have a heck of a year. We have to show our character and what we can do.”
A&M’s losses to No. 9 Alabama and No. 21 Tennessee, though tough to accept, are at least understandable to some degree.
They were close calls against strong opponents. The Crimson Tide and Volunteers are ranked third and fourth, respectively, among SEC defenses.
However, that alibi won’t fly against South Carolina, which is ranked dead last in the SEC in total defense. The Gamecocks allow an average of 446.7 yards per game.
Still, Fisher warns they cannot be taken for granted despite stumbling into Kyle Field on a three-game losing streak. After all, South Carolina did lead No. 1 Georgia at halftime before falling 24-14.
“South Carolina is a very good football team as far as athletically,” Fisher said. “They’ve stumbled here lately. They’ve lost some heartbreakers, a couple of tight ones.
“Quarterback (Spencer Rattler) is a really good player. Spencer is a heck of an athlete. He can run it, can throw it, can spin it. He’s got experience, understands how to play.”
Rattler is ranked fourth among SEC passers. He has thrown for more than 250 yards in five of the Gamecocks’ seven games.
He also has one of the SEC’s top receivers. Xavier Legette is a big-play threat who averages nearly 20 yards on 38 catches.
“You’ve got to know where he’s at. You can’t just say, ‘Hey, you’ve got him.’” Fisher said. “You’re going to have to get help under him. You have to get help over him at times. I think you’ve got to mix the looks up.
“You’ve got to affect the quarterback somehow. Hopefully, the ball doesn’t get to be held a long time.”
A&M seems to have a significant advantage with its pass rush against South Carolina’s offensive line. The Aggies have posted 29 sacks. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper leads the way with six, while Walter Nolen has four. Shemar Turner has 3.5, and McKinnley Jackson and Fadil Diggs each have three.
Meanwhile, South Carolina has allowed 30 sacks. North Carolina trapped Rattler nine times. Tennessee got him six times. Last week, Missouri sacked him five times.
The Aggies have had protection issues, too. Protecting Max Johnson would be the first step in exploiting South Carolina’s defense and lifting A&M out of an offensive funk. The Aggies have scored just 33 points in the previous two games combined.
More than that will likely be required to overcome Rattler, who two weeks ago threw four touchdown passes in a 41-39 loss to Florida.
“They’re hungry and talented,” Fisher said. “Hopefully, we’re hungry and talented. Hopefully, we’re hungrier.”
