Nov. 6—COLUMBIA — Forget what happened last year in College Station, even though it was the defining moment of the Shane Beamer Era … and for a while there, the defining moment of why that era seemed doomed. The coach nor the players that were there are thinking of it now.
Because another defining moment is upon them … and this one would stick much longer to the bulletin board.
South Carolina hosts Texas A&M on Saturday with a future that has morphed from a thin line on the horizon to a flourishing sunrise, and how the Gamecocks do Saturday will help determine how fast it gets to sunset.
It could be a while, a long while, with a win.
Key players
South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers has been playing like Mario gained Star power for the past three games, and the common thought (because it’s South Carolina) is he’s due for a letdown. That won’t happen if he has the same attitude he’s had, refusing to let two interceptions (one a pick-six) at Oklahoma stop him.
Jabree Coleman takes over the RB1 spot with Matt Fuller out. He led the charge of USC backs that combined rushed for over 200 yards against Oklahoma and will be first up against the Aggies’ defensive line today.
Vicari Swain vs. himself. The cornerback/punt returner has played very well but had bonehead moments in each of the last two games. If he just stays focused, he can provide an impact in several areas.
Texas A&M
Marcel Reed has not been the same quarterback of last year, or really the year before that, as he faces USC in the rubber match of his career. The Gamecocks and Aggies have each won one against the other with him under center, and could today be the day he rediscovers his form?
Mario Craver. The receiver is dangerous if he can get into space, and USC’s secondary has been weak against receivers that can do that. If he’s allowed to pace it, t could be a long day. What will help is if USC’s ever-increasing pass-rush can get to Reed.
Key matchup
South Carolina vs. the hype. The Gamecocks are back in contention, No. 21 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the year, and have won three straight games. Can they handle the moment when the light is brightest?
Key storyline
The Gamecocks are one of the hottest teams in the country. If they win out, they’ll be knocking on the door of the CFP. Any one loss torpedoes that, and the Gamecocks will again be the program that forever chases greatness but never quite catches it.
Final prediction: South Carolina 31, Texas A&M 17
I’d bet the mortgage that this is the game that Reed gets better, but the Gamecocks will still overcome. They’re in rhythm now, and their personnel is simply more fine-tuned to what it needs to do to win. With bowl eligibility in hand, it can remove the trap from next week’s Arkansas game and begin to talk about Georgia.
Follow David Cloninger on X @DCPandC. Want the latest updates on Gamecock athletics sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Gamecocks Now!
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