COLLEGE STATION — For the first time since 1992, Texas A&M football is 9-0. The Aggies’ 6-0 start in the Southeastern Conference is also a first for the program since joining the conference in 2012. The last time the Aggies started 6-0 during conference play was in 1998 when they were part of the Big 12.

After a 3-0 “road trip,” A&M will play two of its final three games at Kyle Field. Next up is an early kickoff Saturday against South Carolina. The Gamecocks (3-6, 1-6), who have struggled this season, having lost their last four conference games.

Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPN.

Here are five things to know about the South Carolina Gamecocks ahead of Week 12:

1. Gamecocks hurt the Aggies last season

In Mike Elko’s first season, the Aggies got off to a 7-1 start. However, A&M finished 1-4 down the stretch and fell out of the SEC championship and College Football Playoff race as a result. That skid started with Week 10. The Aggies lost to South Carolina 44-20 on the road and starting running back Le’Veon Moss suffered a season-ending injury the same game.

Gamecocks starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns and added 106 yards and one touchdown on the ground. The redshirt sophomore came into this season as a Heisman Trophy candidate, but is on pace to fall short of his 2024 numbers.

2. Struggling to stop the run

While South Carolina’s pass defense ranks sixth in the SEC, allowing just 190.5 yards per game, the Gamecocks’ run defense has been a different story. South Carolina is giving up 153.6 yards per game on the ground, 14th in the SEC. Through Week 12, A&M’s rushing offense is third in the conference, averaging 204.8 yards. Its efficiency allows the Aggies to control the ball, ranking third in the SEC in time of possession (32:35).

3. All-time record vs A&M

The history between these two SEC programs is quite limited; the Aggies have won nine of 11 meetings. But the Gamecocks have won two of the last three meetings. A&M’s home record stands at 5-0 in these matchups. The Aggies first defeated South Carolina in 2014 and won eight consecutive games before the Gamecocks secured their first win in 2022.

4. Shane Beamer’s had success vs A&M

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is in his fifth season with the program and has faced the Aggies in each of the past four years. Beamer holds a 2-2 record, with the home squad winning each game. His offense has fared well in that time, scoring 30 or more points twice. His father, Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer, was 2-0 during his career against A&M.

5. History behind the Gamecocks’ nickname

Like many SEC mascots, South Carolina’s nickname and mascot have a military background.

The name originated on the battlefield during the American Revolution. Gen. Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina militia leader during the war, earned the nickname “The Fighting Gamecock” because of his military tactics. That reputation, along with his love for cockfighting, led to the Gamecock becoming a symbol for the state of South Carolina.

South Carolina has a live mascot named Sir Big Spur, making its debut in 1999. The program also features a costumed character called “Cocky the Gamecock.”

Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com.