Momentum Shifts: Aggies fall to Gamecocks in frustrating fashion
Texas A&M traveled to Columbia hoping to build on recent momentum and keep hold of their position atop the SEC.
However, the night ended in a disappointing 44-20 loss to South Carolina, highlighting struggles on both sides of the ball and exposing some critical areas needing improvement. Injuries, notably the absence of star running back Le’Veon Moss, played a part in the Aggies' woes, but it was clear that the Gamecocks’ well-prepared adjustments ultimately sealed A&M’s fate.
This game, however, served as a reminder that the Aggies must tighten up all aspects of play, especially on the road in SEC play.
The Good
Jabre Barber’s resilient performance: Despite the tough result, Barber put forth an outstanding effort, proving to be a consistent bright spot for the Aggies’ offense. Barber finished the night with seven receptions, totaling 80 yards and a touchdown. His ability to find space and create opportunities on third down was critical in keeping drives alive, especially during the first half when the game remained competitive. Barber’s play showed his reliability as a receiver and his capacity to step up in big moments. One highlight was his ability to get open under tight coverage, making a spectacular one-handed grab that kept the chains moving. Even in a difficult loss, Barber’s performance demonstrated his readiness to be a key contributor in the Aggies' offense moving forward.
Ground game fights back with depth: Losing Moss was a huge blow for the Aggies’ offense, and it was clear the team felt his absence. Nonetheless, Amari Daniels and EJ Smith stepped up in his place. Daniels, in particular, put up a strong 83 yards on 13 carries, including a powerful touchdown run that showcased his ability to navigate and push through tough defenses. The Aggies managed a respectable 145 yards on the ground, and though it wasn’t enough to counter South Carolina’s relentless scoring, it highlighted some resilience and versatility in the running back depth chart. Looking ahead, the responsibility of the run game will fall more heavily on Daniels and Smith, who will need to bring their best to help balance the offense without Moss’ presence.
The Bad
Offensive stagnation in the second half: The Aggies found success in the first half, racking up 20 points and going into halftime tied with the Gamecocks. However, the second half saw the offense stall completely. South Carolina’s defense made significant adjustments, and A&M’s play-calling became more predictable, struggling to break through South Carolina’s revamped strategy. The Aggies’ second-half struggles on third down were glaring, with the team unable to convert crucial opportunities to maintain drives and generate momentum. Predictability and lack of execution made it challenging for the Aggies to find any rhythm, and scoring zero points in the second half left the defense vulnerable to the Gamecocks’ offensive surges. The coaching staff has a huge task on their hands to continue to produce even with all the injuries the team has sustained. While this is no easy task, I expect them to attack the challenge and be successful.
Defensive breakdown and inconsistent tackling: Defensive issues were at the forefront, with the Aggies allowing a staggering 244 rushing yards. South Carolina’s Raheim “Rocket” Sanders tore through the defensive front, averaging over seven yards per carry and proving nearly unstoppable. Sanders’ performance exposed weaknesses in A&M’s ability to contain explosive plays on the ground, an area where improvement is essential for SEC play. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers also exploited gaps in the Aggies’ tackling, adding 106 yards on 15 carries. Time after time, Sellers slipped through would-be sacks, turning broken plays into major gains. A&M’s inability to bring him down at critical moments was costly, as the defense missed opportunities to halt drives and swing momentum. Sellers’ performance highlighted tackling as a glaring issue for the Aggies, one that must be addressed moving forward.
Tackling struggles and missed opportunities: Missed tackles were a recurring issue throughout the game, particularly against Sellers, who converted near-sacks into positive yardage on multiple occasions. The Aggies’ defense had at least five missed sack opportunities that could have stifled South Carolina’s offense, allowing A&M to regroup. Missing these chances left the defense on its heels and contributed to the Gamecocks’ ability to sustain long, punishing drives. For the Aggies, these missed opportunities underscored the importance of disciplined tackling, particularly against skilled, mobile quarterbacks in the SEC. Playing on the road in a hostile environment means capitalizing on every defensive opportunity, and unfortunately, the Aggies fell short in that regard against South Carolina.
The loss of Le’Veon Moss — a major blow: One of the biggest setbacks for the Aggies came with the loss of Moss, a pivotal leader and playmaker on offense. Moss has been an essential part of the team’s ground game, consistently finding ways to create space, lead drives, and keep the pressure off A&M’s passing game. Losing him not only impacted the team’s physicality on the field but also left a leadership void that was felt as the game progressed. With Moss sidelined for the season, the Aggies face the challenge of reconfiguring their offensive strategy. Daniels and Smith are both capable runners, but stepping into the shoes of a player like Moss is no easy task. His absence will require a collective effort from the backfield to maintain the balanced offensive attack that has been crucial to A&M’s success.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the Aggies remain tied for the top spot in the SEC, but there’s now zero room for error. Every game from here on out is critical for both postseason and SEC title hopes. The upcoming bye week provides a much-needed opportunity to recover, recalibrate, and address key areas for improvement. For Texas A&M, getting healthy, tightening up tackling and finding ways to be less predictable on offense will be essential if they hope to finish the season on a high note. The team has shown resilience this season, from adjusting to lineup changes to dealing with mounting injuries, but they’ll need to lean into that resilience to push through the rest of the schedule.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Aggies have the talent and determination to make a run, but execution will be key. The bye week provides a chance to reset, and I’m optimistic that this team can use the time to get back on track. With a renewed focus on fundamentals and the necessary adjustments, the Aggies can still turn this season into something special.
Gig ’Em, and let’s rally behind our team as they push to finish strong and BTHO the rest of the season.
