Texas A&M enters Week 10 fresh off a much-needed bye week, giving third-year coach Mike Elko more time to evaluate a roster that has underperformed all season and led to the program's disappointing 4-4 start and 1-4 standing in SEC play.

Set to face No. 23 South Carolina on the road, the Gamecocks have won three straight SEC games, including two over ranked opponents, and will look to avenge last season's embarrassing road loss after building a 30-3 lead at halftime, only to see Texas A&M storm back and win 31-30 to reach 10-0 on the year.

South Carolina is rightfully a touchdown favorite at home, and while Texas A&M's defense has been above average this season, providing the offense plenty of chances to respond, starting quarterback Marcel Reed's poor play, combined with an offensive line that has lacked continuity, has resulted in the Aggies not reaching the end zone in two SEC games.

Third-year coach Mike Elko reiterated Monday that he plans to start Marcel Reed until further notice, dousing any rumor that backup QB Brady Hart could start for the first time this season. No matter what Elko says, the numbers tell a different story: thanks to OnTexasFootball insider CJ Vogel for the share, Texas A&M's offense ranks third-highest in the SEC in 3-and-out rate.

At 23.91%, only Oklahoma and Texas rank higher, which falls on first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and Marcel Reed's regression after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Last season, under OC Collin Klein, Texas A&M converted on 41.28% of its third-down attempts.

Whatever happens on Saturday vs. South Carolina, Texas A&M's offense will continue to draw doubts, aside from freshman running back KJ Edwards' ascendancy.