SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Oct 31, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) runs with the ball on a keeper during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina certainly showed some life – particularly on offense – in a 35-28 loss to Texas A&M Saturday, but as interim head coach Shawn Elliott would say afterward, a loss is still a loss.

“We just didn’t get the job done, nonetheless we saw improvements in our football team,” Elliott told the media after the game, according to the Associated Press. “A loss is a loss, and we understand that, and we’re very, very disappointed in what we didn’t accomplish. But they need to understand we improved as a group, as a team, as a staff. It’s a process.”

Perry Orth started his third straight game at quarterback, and threw for 192 yards on 15-for-24 passing and tossed two interceptions including a crucial pick-six in the third quarter that Texas A&M’s Donovan Wilson returned 60 yards to increase the Aggies’ lead to 35-21.

However, Orth and the Gamecocks had success moving the football, and produced several big plays. The quarterback ran for 64 yards and a TD on 11 carries and exploded for a 66-yard gainer. He also hit Hayden Hurst on a 47-yard completion. Running back Brandon Wilds gained 128 yards on the ground and scored twice.

Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, South Carolina couldn’t contain the Texas A&M running game. Carolina came in allowing 200.2 rushing yards per game, which was the worst average in the SEC, and surrendered 321 rushing yards to the generally pass-heavy Aggies. The Gamecocks allowed 544 total yards, 29 first downs, and did not force a turnover.

The growth on offense is promising, but because the Gamecocks still can’t stop the run, the outlook doesn’t look good for the rest of the season. And another loss, the Gamecocks remain in the No. 14 spot in our weekly SEC Power Rankings for the second consecutive week.

But it’s a close three-team race.

Next Game: Saturday November 7 at Tennessee

Next: Missouri