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Texas A&M Football: 3 bold predictions vs. South Carolina in Week 10

By Michael Hanich

Oct 17, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Isaiah Spiller (28) reacts with teammates after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Isaiah Spiller (28) reacts with teammates after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2020; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina receiver Shi Smith (13) spins out of a tackle by Florida Gators defensive back Jaydon hill (23) during a football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 3, 2020; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina receiver Shi Smith (13) spins out of a tackle by Florida Gators defensive back Jaydon hill (23) during a football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK /

2. Shi Smith will be a problem for Texas A&M

Senior wide receiver Shi Smith is a player that has been underutilized throughout his entire career. In five games this season, Smith has caught 46 passes for 415 yards and three touchdowns. He is a receiver that can win tight matchups against man coverage. In the losses to Tennessee and Florida, Smith combined for 22 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns.

Since then, he has been held significantly. This is due to the inefficient passing game provided by senior quarterback Collin Hill. No other wide receiver for the Gamecocks has more than seven receptions or 113 receiving yards in the entire season. This Gamecocks offense has underperformed when compared to the development they encountered last season.

The Gamecocks have a chance to develop their passing offense as they face an Aggies defense that is ranked 70th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (236.8). Their secondary is not as efficient in containing man coverage schemes as other secondary units in the SEC. The Aggies had three of their five games where they allowed at-least three passing touchdowns. Their worst performance was against No. 2 Alabama where they allowed 435 yards and four touchdowns.

Smith has the capabilities to make big plays for the Gamecocks, but he will need help from Hill to do so. He will get his chance against the underwhelming secondary of the Aggies that has allowed 59 first downs through pass plays and a completion percentage of 73.