No. 3 Texas A&M hosts South Carolina for a Week 12 matchup on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET in College Station, Texas.
The Aggies are listed as 19.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 49.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for this matchup between these two SEC opponents.
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M prediction, preview
South Carolina Preview
It has been a season to forget for the Gamecocks. After nearly getting into the College Football Playoff last season, expectations were high in 2025. However, a combination of poor offensive line play and the loss of NFL talent from last season’s team had a harsh effect on the Gamecocks. LaNorris Sellers has not been able to showcase his talents fully due to the poor line play and lack of weapons around him. Despite losing so much talent to the NFL on defense, South Carolina has still been solid on that side of the ball. However, the unit has not been dominant enough to carry the team. South Carolina has been feisty at times, nearly pulling off an upset over No. 4 Alabama. This is their last chance to get a signature win on the season against No. 3 Texas A&M.
Texas A&M Preview
It has been a sensational season for the Aggies. In the second season under Mike Elko, Texas A&M is on the brink of making the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. Marcel Reed has taken a step forward, and he has a fantastic wide receiver duo to throw to. The Aggies’ defense has been inconsistent, but the unit is solid enough to complement the elite offense. Texas A&M has a massive game against Texas to end the regular season, but it can’t overlook the Gamecocks this week. This team is capable of winning a national title if it can stay focused the rest of the way.
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is for South Carolina to cover the large spread. Texas A&M has no reason to run up the score in this game. Unlike other teams at this point in the season, the Aggies have no need for style points. They want to come into this game, get a win and move on to next week. South Carolina also has the defense to keep this close. The Gamecocks have played four tough opponents in a row, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Ole Miss. They have held those teams to an average of 26.3 PPG. If the Gamecocks can hold Texas A&M to 28 points or fewer, they would only need to score ten points to cover this spread. LaNorris Sellers is still capable of creating big plays with his legs and throwing downfield. If he can create one or two explosive plays, that could be all that’s needed to cover the spread against the Aggies.
