After a big win over LSU last week, No. 10 Texas A&M hits the road again to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium to try to stay atop the SEC standings. Before that match we asked a few questions David KloningerSportswriter for Charleston, SC’s The post and courier.

Good Bull Hunting: South Carolina is 4-3, but was almost 6-1 thanks to close (and controversial) losses to Bama and LSU. Given that, what is the current mood of the fanbase?

David Cloninger: The mood here changes from week to week, always depending on the last match. The Gamecocks beat Oklahoma, so it’s mostly good. But there is always an underlying current of dissatisfaction, this year focused on how poorly the offense has played.

GBH: The battle for the Bonham Trophy has always been one of the most storied and heated rivalries in college football. You simply cannot create such fear. Obviously we are each other’s main rival, but where would you rank this rivalry among the greats in college football?

DC: Disagree. You can’t create a rivalry, especially with a trophy that looks cool but that no player or coach ever actually touches after the game. It is in no way close to a legendary rivalry as this will only be the eleventh meeting and with every rivalry there has to be a split between the two teams. The Gamecocks have defeated Texas A&M just once. And nothing against Texas A&M, but the Aggies are not the Gamecocks’ main rival, nor would I say the Gamecocks are A&M’s main rival. A&M would struggle to crack a Top 10 list of USC rivals.

GBH: A&M has dominated this series with a 9-1 victory, but of course their only loss came on the evening two years ago, the last time they visited Williams-Brice Stadium. How much do you think the homely atmosphere is in this game?

DC: Fans love night games because it involves an entire afternoon (and sometimes a morning) of tailgating. There will certainly be a turbocharged atmosphere fueled by that. But the Williams-Brice atmosphere, while great at kick-off, can be taken away almost immediately if the home side lay an egg straight away. This has happened dozens of times in recent decades. But if the opponent gives USC an immediate boost — like when the Gamecocks return the opening kickoff for a touchdown, unfortunately two years ago — that crowd will be a factor as long as USC is in the game.

GBH: What is the biggest strength and biggest liability for the Gamecocks on each side of the ball?

DC: The entire defense is the backbone of this team. Fantastic football is being played. The offensive line is the Gamecocks’ biggest weakness.

GBH: LaNorris Sellers has an enticing skill set, but it seems like he’s had a bit of an up and down year statistically. What can A&M fans expect from him in this game?

DC: He’s still learning. He came into the year with just a few games and no starts under his belt, and even this year as a starter he missed one entire game and two halves of others. He overthrows his receivers far too often, he needs to do a better job of sensing when a sack is coming and throwing the ball away. He’ll be running and running a lot on Saturday. He is sensitive to turnovers, but comes from a turnover-free game.

GBH: Based on stats alone, the Aggie DL against the Gamecock OL appears to be a huge advantage for A&M, perhaps the biggest mismatch in this game. What is the criminal record on the SC OL, and is that seen as a concern?

DC: It’s a concern bigger than the acquisition of a Texas A&M football coaching contract. The line was very poor last year, and this was attributed to health (they started with different lines in the first seven games). This year they were all healthy, but they are the second-worst team in the country in terms of giving up sacks. They also can’t open rushing lanes, forcing Rocket Sanders to get all his yards through contact. The Aggies’ D-line is going to have a blast on Saturday.

GBH: South Carolina went from No. 105 in sacks in 2023 to No. 3 nationally this season. Obviously freshman Dylan Stewart has a lot to do with that, but it can’t be the whole story. What else do you think has contributed to the massive pass rush revival?

DC: Kyle Kennard, the man on the other end of the line, leads the SEC with 8.5 sacks. He and Stewart were two pieces of USC’s concerted effort to fix the pass rush during the offseason. With that and the defensive tackles each in their prime, there simply isn’t much room to operate when you’re an opposing QB.

GBH: Texas A&M is statistically the best rushing attack SC has seen this season, while the Gamecock run defense is also the best the Aggies have ever seen. How do you think strength is expressed in this game?

DC: Many teams have been able to move the ball quite well at USC, especially if they keep the run going for a sustained drive. However, USC takes a bow in the red zone. I expect A&M to not challenge the Gamecocks’ secondary and stick to their guns, and if USC’s offense can’t give the defense a rest, it will be a long night.

GBH: In summary, how do you see this game going, and if you’re willing, give us a score prediction.

DC: Games are won in the trenches. A&M has a great defensive line and USC’s offensive line couldn’t stop Old Dominion. USC’s defensive front can hold the Aggies down for a while, but it can’t do that forever, especially if the offense doesn’t lead to scoring.

Aggies 24, Vechthanen 14

Thank you so much, David, for taking the time to talk to us. Be sure to follow him on X @DCPandC and read his work The post and courier.

#BTHOsouthcarolina!