Texas A&M football is running out of time to salvage its disappointing season, and a dangerous South Carolina team awaits when the Aggies return from their bye week on Nov. 7.

Mike Elko's Aggies enter the matchup at 4-4 overall and 1-4 in SEC play after suffering a 31-20 loss to Alabama.

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South Carolina, meanwhile, has climbed back to 4-3 after consecutive conference victories, including a dramatic 27-24 upset of No. 11 Tennessee.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, with ESPN televising the contest.

The biggest question for Texas A&M remains quarterback Marcel Reed.

Against Alabama, Reed completed 14 of 21 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Elko admitted afterward that replacing Reed with freshman Brady Hart was under consideration.

"I still believe he's our best option," Elko said while explaining his decision to stick with Reed.

It's a revealing statement for an offense that has repeatedly failed to generate consistent production against quality competition.

The Aggies have scored just six points against LSU and Missouri this season. Now they'll face a South Carolina defense featuring one of the SEC's most disruptive players.

Edge rusher Dylan Stewart delivered a critical strip sack against Tennessee, setting up Malik Orsan's game-winning 48-yard field goal.

His ability to pressure Reed could become the deciding factor against an inconsistent Texas A&M offensive line.

Injuries are another concern for the Aggies.

Wide receivers Terry Bussey and Mario Williams remain sidelined with season-ending injuries, while starting offensive lineman Blake Ivy is also out for the year.

Receiver Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman have appeared on injury reports with uncertain availability, although their statuses for Nov. 7 haven't been finalized.

Running back KJ Edwards also suffered a deep contusion against Alabama. The bye week provides additional recovery time, but his availability will be worth monitoring.

South Carolina has dealt with injury uncertainty involving offensive lineman Josiah Peak and defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy.

Updated availability reports will be important after the Gamecocks' Oct. 31 matchup with Oklahoma.

Offensively, South Carolina presents another significant challenge.

Quarterback LaNorris Sellers accounted for 306 total yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee, including 96 rushing yards. His dual-threat ability could expose a Texas A&M defense that has struggled against explosive opponents.

The Aggies also face a difficult historical trend, having lost their last two trips to Williams-Brice Stadium.

With Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas still remaining on the schedule, Texas A&M needs at least two victories in its final four games to reach bowl eligibility.

Reed believes the bye week offers an opportunity for a reset.

"Getting healthy, clearing our minds and coming back and winning these last four games," Reed said.

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That's an ambitious goal for a team searching for offensive answers.

Unless the Aggies establish a consistent running game and protect the football, South Carolina's improving offense and relentless defensive front could deliver another damaging SEC defeat.

Source: Yahoo Sports