- Associated Press - Thursday, October 11, 2018

No. 22 Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) at South Carolina (3-2, 2-2), 3:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network)

Line: Texas A&M by 2½.

Series record: Texas A&M leads 4-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Texas A&M is looking to continue its revival in the SEC when facing the Gamecocks, who have never beaten the Aggies. Texas A&M hopes to break into the top tier of SEC West contenders.

KEY MATCHUP

Texas A&M’s defensive front vs. South Carolina QB Jake Bentley. The Aggies harassed Bentley and the Gamecocks in a 24-17 victory a year ago with seven sacks and holding them to 128 yards rushing on 35 carries. South Carolina won’t have a chance unless than can manage A&M’s charge. The Aggies are tied for fourth in the SEC with 16 sacks this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Texas A&M: RB Trayveon Williams. Williams leads the SEC with 720 yards and is averaging 6 yards a carry. He’s also had seven touchdowns.

South Carolina: WR Deebo Samuel. The Gamecocks senior leads the team with 26 catches, but has not had explosive season many expected with his return from a broken leg. Samuel has three TDs and is eager to make his mark.

FACTS & FIGURES

Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp were coordinators (Fisher on offense, Muschamp on defense) for LSU coach Nick Saban from 2002-2004. That run included a 2003 national championship … South Carolina DB Nick Harvey played 38 games, starting 13, for Texas A&M from 2014-16. … Texas A&M is trying for its third straight SEC win, something it has not done in two years. … South Carolina has allowed just 12 points total in the second half of its past three games. … Texas A&M leads the SEC and all Power Five schools in time of possession, holding the ball for 35 minutes, 43 seconds on average its first six games. … The winner of this game claims the Bonham Trophy, named for South Carolina native James Bonham who fought and died in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.

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