COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ahead of South Carolina’s trip to Texas A&M, head coach Shane Beamer addressed the media Tuesday in his weekly press conference.
Texas A&M is riding high at 9–0 and up to No. 3 in the AP Poll after a dominant 38–17 win at Missouri. South Carolina, meanwhile, is trying to stop a four-game skid after losses to LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Ole Miss.
Beamer credited Texas A&M for its strong season, calling the Aggies “a team that, in my opinion, is playing better than anyone in the nation” and saying they’re “clicking on all cylinders.” He added that the Aggies’ experience and balance on both sides of the ball make them “a huge challenge,” but said his team is “excited for the opportunity.”
When asked why fans should stay optimistic despite the losing streak and tough matchup ahead, Beamer pointed to his team’s competitiveness and effort. “Have y’all watched us play all season?” he said. “I don’t like the record, but we’ve been in every game and had opportunities to win in the fourth quarter pretty much every week.”
South Carolina and Texas A&M are set to kick off in Bryan–College Station, Texas, at noon on Saturday.
Key comments from Shane Beamer
- On Texas A&M: “A team that, in my opinion, is playing better than anyone in the nation … they’re clicking on all cylinders.”
- On the playbook: “There’s been a pretty good tweaking — some things taken out, some added — but we’ll probably end up with about the same number of plays.”
- On Shula’s firing: “We all had a hand in it… players and coaches are accountable for what’s on the field.”
- On Mike Furrey: “He’s brought a different energy to the offense — confidence and a swagger that’s connected with the players.”
Shane Beamer previews Texas A&M
USC Ranking Summary Through 11/8
Key Rankings
- #1 Nationally / #1 SEC – Blocked Punts Allowed (0)
- #1 Nationally / #1 SEC – Blocked Kicks Allowed (0)
- #1 SEC / #18 Nationally – Turnovers Gained (16)
- #1 SEC / #6 Nationally – Punt Return Defense (1.89 yards per return)
- Vicari Swain – #1 Nationally / #1 SEC in Punt Return Touchdowns (3)
- Nyck Harbor – #2 SEC / #11 Nationally in Yards per Reception (19.10)
Texas A&M Ranking Summary Through 11/8
Key Rankings
- #1 Nationally / #1 SEC – 3rd Down Conversion Defense (0.241)
- #1 Nationally / #1 SEC – Team Sacks (3.78 per game)
- #1 Nationally / #1 SEC – Tackles for Loss Allowed (2.89 per game)
- #1 Nationally / #1 SEC – Winning Percentage (1.000)
- #3 Nationally / #1 SEC – Sacks Allowed (0.89 per game)
Ranking Summaries provided by stats.ncaa.org