For the Texas A&M Aggies, the first quarter was nothing short of a nightmare.

After posting a perfect record in the SEC by knocking off the LSU Tigers at home, the scenario was set: win on the road and take some time off.

Beating the Gamecocks would keep Texas A&M at the top of the conference heading into a bye week. Then it would be rewarded with what one hopes is a give-me game against New Mexico State. On the other hand, a loss would make it two losses and significantly reduce the chances of a College Football Playoff berth without a conference title.

Down 14-0 early after South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers ran for the first score of the game and threw for the second, the Aggies needed an offensive boost to get back into the game.

Luckily, Marcel Reed started to figure it out and led the Aggies to two touchdowns and a pair of field goals as both teams are tied at 20 points apiece. At halftime, he is 8-of-12 with 103 yards and a touchdown.

Amari Daniels, filling in as the primary running back for an injured Le’Veon Moss who left the game in the first quarter, got the momentum going with a 56-yard rush to crack the end zone for the first time of the half . Then it was a methodical drive that resulted in the second score.

South Carolina marched down the field hoping to tie the game at the end of the quarter, and after a series of defensive penalties, it did. Alex Herrera connected from 44 yards out to give the Gamecocks the half-tying score.

With the third quarter underway, Texas A&M will look to build on the offensive success it found closing out the half – adding receiver Jahdae Walker, who was suspended for the first half after a targeting call last week , should help – and clear things up defensively.

The Aggies may have climbed out of their hole, but they’re far from done working.

Join the community:

YYou can follow us for future coverage at subscribe to our newsletter here. Also, Make sure you like us on Facebook @AllAggiesOnSI & follow us on Twitter at @TAMUAggiesSI

MORE TEXAS A&M AGGIES NEWS:

Marcel Reed announced as starting quarterback for Texas A&M against South Carolina

Texas A&M Aggies QB Marcel Reed shares message from Conner Weigman

Steve Spurrier believes Marcel Reed is ‘much better’ than Conner Weigman

‘That’s what makes him great’: Mike Elko praises Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko explains the decision to Bench Conner Weigman for Marcel Reed