CFB Wagering: A new era begins for the No. 21 ranked Texas A&M Aggies as they enter their third season as members of the Southeastern Conference without 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. They also return a defense that was rendered helpless last year. The #9 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks on the other hand are touted as a co-favorite in the SEC East Division and are coming off three consecutive 11 wins seasons with a deep and experienced lineup.
The South Carolina Gamecocks will host the Texas A&M Aggies at Williams Brice Stadium on Thursday night with kickoff on the SEC Network set for 6 PM ET. South Carolina opened at BetDSI as a 10.5 point favorite with the total at 58.
New Hill to Climb for Aggies
Sophomore Kenny Hill was named starting quarterback for the Aggies and has plenty of experience with the zone-read spread offense that head coach Kevin Sumlin employs. Hill won a very close battle with five star true freshman recruit Kyle Allen. Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder returns despite his unit ranking 109th in the nation last year and has back-to-back top ten recruiting classes to work with as well as nine returning starters. Texas A&M has covered the spread in just nine out of their last 25 games as a road dog with just one payout in their last five games in that role.
Cocky Carolina
Although starting QB Connor Shaw and DE Jadeveon Clowney have departed, 14 starters and 58 lettermen return to a program that veteran head coach Steve Spurrier has methodically built up. Fifth year senior Dylan Thompson takes over as starting QB and has plenty of game experience. Junior RB Mike Davis gained over 1200 yards last year but has been dealing with a rib injury during camp although he is probable for this one. Carolina has paid out in nine out of its last 14 games as a home chalk.
Matchup and Pick
This is the first meeting between the Gamecocks and Aggies as they play in opposite divisions in the SEC. There are simply too many unproven players and questions on A&M right now and South Carolina is the pick.
