Last week’s break was much needed for South Carolina. Compared to Texas A&M, the scoreboard might not favor the Gamecocks, and even analysts lean toward the Aggies. Still, South Carolina has a slight edge. There were a few hits on the O-line, and head coach Shane Beamer didn’t hold back to confess.

While Wednesday’s injury report had just two, on Thursday, two more popped up on the report. Considering what Beamer said, “We had some things that flared up today.” Still, the presence of OLs Cason Henry and Jatavius Shivers on the injury report doesn’t pose much of a threat to the Gamecocks. Henry has been out since the Kentucky game with a season-ending injury, and Shivers is a reserve lineman who has appeared in 6 games this season.

But what’s especially glaring is OL Josiah Thompson’s ‘questionable’ status on the injury report. Beamer confirmed that, stating, “Left tackle Josiah Thompson will be on the injury report.” As a key contributor to the team’s blocking schemes, he earned Freshman All-American honors last season, and this season, protecting QB LaNorris Sellers definitely enhances offensive strength.

Now, missing Thompson for the game against Texas A&M could be a big blow for the Gamecocks, but Beamer’s words clear the worry. As South Carolina reporter Jordan Kaye shared, “Beamer said he’s “hopeful” Thompson will play against A&M.” While the Gamecocks’ availability report already looks thin, Texas A&M’s injury report is swirling with four players ruled out.

Yes, LB Scooby Williams, along with safety Bryce Anderson and Rashad Johnson Jr., is out for the South Carolina game. Besides, RB Le’Veon Moss was already doubtful and is now officially out, with his return expected later this year. But the real shocker could be the presence of star WR Mario Craver in the report.

The sophomore slipped into the injury tent during the second half against Missouri and never returned. Still, he managed six catches for 59 yards in that game before exiting. Leading the team with 775 yards and sitting 2nd in TDs, Craver is QB Marcel Reed’s security blanket. However, Reed’s “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” option is now highlighted as ‘questionable’ in the SEC availability report.

If Craver can’t suit up, the Aggies will look to reload fast. Ashton Bethel-Roman or Terry Bussey is expected to slide into the role for Reed. Perhaps it can encourage the Aggies to rely more heavily on KC Concepcion. However, his absence can allow South Carolina to dictate coverage.

Who is favored to win: Shane Beamer or Mike Elko’s team?

The stage is set at Kyle Field, where undefeated Texas A&M (9-0) will face South Carolina (3-6). To keep the streak alive, while the Gamecocks seem desperate for a spark, they are heavily favored. Although oddsmakers aren’t buying an upset, BetMGM lists the Aggies as massive favorites. -18.5 against the spread and -1235 on the moneyline, making it clear who’s expected to run the show, and the Aggies earned that confidence.

Last week, they handled Missouri 38-17 behind Marcel Reed’s sharp performance. The star QB tossed two TDs and avoided turnovers. Besides, Rueben Owens punished the Tigers on the ground with 102 yards, while KC Concepcion flashed big-play energy with a TD grab. Meanwhile, South Carolina is fighting an uphill battle.

QB LaNorris Sellers threw for 180 yards against Ole Miss but also tossed two costly interceptions. While their offense sputtered in that game, now they’re facing an A&M team that ranks 13th nationally with 460.0 YPG. But we’ll see who makes their mark on game day.