South Carolina defense plays major part in upset win over No. 10 Texas A&M
South Carolina’s defense played a huge role in the Gamecocks’ 44-20 victory over the No. 10 Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday. Going into the matchup, South Carolina realized the threat of the Aggies’ run game on offense and fast moving quarterback.
The defense limited the Aggies to just seven first downs rushing compared to 13 by the Gamecock offense. Stopping the run was a crucial part of the victory and getting the ball back in the hands of LaNorris Sellers.
“We talk about it every week, complementary football,” redshirt junior defensive tackle TJ Sanders said. “Offense, defense, special teams, and when we put it all together like we did tonight, great things happen.”
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Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed ran for a gain of 78 yards with a loss of 32 yards for just 46 total yards rushing due to a dominate Gamecock defense. This was coming off a game in which Reed ran for 62 yards and three touchdowns against LSU.
In addition, the defense was also able to limit the Aggie offense when it mattered most, especially during 4th & 1 plays. Texas A&M went 1-3 on fourth down conversions. The two times it didn’t convert, it led to the Gamecocks scoring 10 points.
“About the 4th and 1 stop, it’s a mentality,” Sanders said. “Last year, we weren’t really that great and short yardage moves. And this year, we really made it a point of emphasis to really get out on the field in those types of moments.”
Redshirt senior Debo Williams continues to be a leader on the defense. Williams recorded three solo tackles on the night. He flew in on those two 4th and 1 stops and made big plays.
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“Even in games where it seems like it’s out of reach, it doesn’t realty matter,” Sanders said. “Debo is still out there giving balls to the wall. Excuse my language.”
Demetrius Knight Jr. led the team with the most tackles on the night with 11 total, 10 solo and one assisted. Sanders was apart of the back-to-back sacks late in the game to produce a shutout in the second half.
All tied at the half, the message going into the second half from defensive coordinator Clayton White remained the same. And South Carolina went on to outscore A&M 24-0 after that.
“There was nothing different, sixth year linebacker,” Knight said. “We just play our brand of football. As soon as we saw Alex [Herrera] drain the kick we’re like, ‘Okay it’s 0-0.’ The mindset goes back to do what we do, play how we play. Flush the first half, come back start up again, get hot and that’s exactly what we did in the second half.”
