The Aggies' thrilling comeback was marred by leg injuries to a key receiver and a star running back. Their season's trajectory is now uncertain.
Texas A&M's furious second-half comeback against South Carolina might have come at a major cost, as the Aggies lost two of their most important playmakers to apparent leg injuries.
Late in the third quarter, wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman went down at the end of what looked like a game-changing play.
Marcel Reed hit him in stride on a 76-yard bomb that seemed destined for the end zone, but Bethel-Roman was tripped up around the Gamecocks’ 20-yard line. As he hit the turf, he immediately grabbed for his ankle and did not return to action.
Bethel-Roman has quietly been a critical third option in A&M's passing attack, posting 242 yards and two touchdowns on the year. His combination of reliable hands and top-end speed has stretched defenses and opened space for the Aggies' other weapons.
If he's forced to miss significant time, Reed and the offense lose a key vertical threat just as they appeared to rediscover their groove.
Early in the fourth quarter, Texas A&M took another blow when running back Rueben Owens II exited after a seven-yard run, quickly reaching for his leg.
Owens had been bottled up most of the night, managing just 28 yards on eight carries, but his importance to the Aggies' offense can’t be overstated.
With over 542 rushing yards, 6.0 yards per carry and five touchdowns on the season, he has been the engine of the ground game, especially following the earlier injury to Le'Veon Moss.
Until the Aggies provide official updates, expect EJ Smith and Jamarion Morrow to shoulder the load in the backfield, with a wider committee approach likely in the passing game.
On a night when Marcel Reed tried to drag Texas A&M back from a 30-3 halftime deficit, the scoreboard wasn't the only concern ... the health of two offensive cornerstones now looms large over the rest of the Aggies’ season.