On Saturday, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer and his team had the opportunity to watch some college football. The Gamecocks were off because of their second of two bye weeks this season. However, about the time USC’s next opponent ended their game, some Carolina-related news dropped.

Thanks, in part, to the Texas A&M Aggies’ convincing 38-23 win over the LSU Tigers, next week’s South Carolina-Texas A&M contest will be in prime time. ABC will air the November 2nd meeting between the Gamecocks and Aggies at 7:30 p.m. Fans also can watch the game on ESPN+ or the ESPN app.

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Entering the game, South Carolina is 4-3 this season. Texas A&M, meanwhile, is 7-1 and the only undefeated team in SEC conference play at 5-0. When the AP poll releases later on Sunday, Mike Elko’s team could find themselves among the top 12.

Last year, Texas A&M beat South Carolina in a game that never felt in doubt. However, two years ago, the Gamecocks knocked off the Aggies in the last meeting between the two teams in Columbia. Saturday’s contest will be back inside the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium.

Mike Elko and company are gunning for the College Football Playoff, but a loss to Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks could end that dream (or at least make it considerably less likely). On the flip side, Carolina would all but ensure bowl eligibility with a win (Wofford remains on the schedule).

However, the Gamecocks could kickstart a strong run down the stretch if things go well on Saturday. Though it is a longshot, some college football media minds believe a 9-3 Gamecock team would have a slight chance at making the College Football Playoff, themselves. If the CFP doesn’t happen, a 9-3 or 8-4 South Carolina squad could find themselves playing in a nice bowl game. For those hypotheticals to become realities, the Gamecocks need a strong showing against Texas A&M.