The Texas A&M Aggies fell into an early deficit, being overwhelmed by South Carolina at home and trailing 30–3 before halftime. It was a rough first half in every sense, with nothing going right for the Aggies—and at times, they seemed to be hurting themselves even more.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer didn’t hold back during his ESPN interview after the Gamecocks’ dominant first quarter. Despite entering the game with just three wins this season, he spoke with the confidence of a top-ranked program, not an underdog facing the No. 3 Aggies. With clear disdain for Texas A&M and coming off a commanding victory over them last year, Beamer looked fully convinced his team could deliver a repeat performance—something they were well on their way to doing through the first half.

First-Half Struggles

Nov. 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA: South Carolina wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs (4) hauls in a catch and runs it in for a touchdown as Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III (4) defends during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina–Imagn Images.

The game has unfolded in a way few expected, with the Aggies unable to establish any consistency on offense and the defense failing to get stops on third down. The Gamecocks, playing pressure-free football, have taken advantage of explosive plays on both sides of the ball, building a commanding lead.

“We’re just making plays… We’re not surprised,” Beamer told ESPN after the first quarter. “We beat this team by 24 points last year… Our guys didn’t come here just to compete.”

South Carolina backed up his words with big moments:
— Quarterback LaNorris Sellers completed a deep strike to Vandrevius Jacobs for a 50-yard touchdown.
— Just two possessions later, Nick Barrett scooped up a fumble and returned it 19 yards for a defensive score.

Meanwhile, A&M quarterback Marcel Reed has received little support. His receivers have dropped four passes, and the offensive line is struggling in protection, already allowing two sacks and a quarterback hurry. With last year’s loss still looming and their undefeated season on the line, the Aggies find themselves under immense pressure.

This has been one of Texas A&M’s worst halves of football all year. They have only trailed once at halftime this season—their trip to Baton Rouge last month.

With plenty of football still left, and with Beamer's pointed comments adding fuel, the Aggies will need a major turnaround in the second half if they hope to claw their way back into the game.