The Citadel vs Texas A&M Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 17, 2026

The Citadel Bulldogs (2-4, 0-3 Southern Conference) visit the Texas A&M Aggies (3-3, 1-3 SEC) on Saturday, October 17, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network+. The Citadel sits last in the Southern Conference following a 34-16 loss to East Tennessee State, while Texas A&M is 14th in the SEC after losing 27-6 to Missouri. For more college football betting predictions, check out our free NCAAF picks.

The Citadel Bulldogs Rely on Their Rushing Attack

The Citadel has lost three of its last four games, including a 27-8 defeat against Chattanooga and a 34-16 loss to East Tennessee State. The Bulldogs' only victory during that stretch came against South Carolina State, winning 34-31 on October 3. Quarterback Quentin Hayes has completed 49.2% of his passes for 402 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Nick Billoups has contributed another 244 passing yards, although neither quarterback has established a consistent passing attack. The Bulldogs have 727 passing yards through six games, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt as a team.

Running back Gavin Garcia leads The Citadel with 579 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 111 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. Hayes has contributed another 292 rushing yards, while Billoups has added 156 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs have rushed for 1,264 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Defensively, linebacker Zyion Brown leads with 51 tackles, four sacks, and one interception. Jalen Wright has added 41 tackles and two sacks, while J'hari Mosley has recorded 33 tackles. However, The Citadel has allowed at least 26 points in five consecutive games, including 41 against Charlotte.

Texas A&M Aggies Look to Improve Their Offense

Texas A&M has lost three of its last four games, including defeats against Kentucky, LSU, and Missouri. The Aggies defeated Arkansas 34-7 on October 3 but followed that performance with a 27-6 loss at Missouri. Texas A&M also managed just six points against LSU, highlighting its recent offensive struggles. Quarterback Marcel Reed has completed 55.3% of his passes for 1,097 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. Reed has averaged 5.8 yards per passing attempt and has been sacked 12 times. 

The Aggies have rushed for 864 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Rueben Owens II leads the team with 304 rushing yards, while KJ Edwards has contributed 201 yards and two touchdowns. Reed has added 152 rushing yards and two scores. Isaiah Horton leads the receiving group with 270 yards and three touchdowns, followed by Mario Craver with 241 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Texas A&M has recorded five interceptions, with Marco Jones contributing two sacks and an interception. Ray Coney leads the Aggies with 31 tackles, while Noah Mikhail has added 30. 

Key to the Game

The Citadel's rushing attack faces a challenging matchup against Texas A&M's defense. The Bulldogs have rushed for 1,264 yards, with Garcia accounting for 579. Texas A&M needs better production from Reed after scoring just six points against both LSU and Missouri. The Aggies also need to protect possession with seven interceptions as a team. The Citadel's defense has struggled throughout the season, allowing at least 26 points in five consecutive games. Establishing the running game early gives Texas A&M an opportunity to control possession and create favorable situations for its passing attack.

The Citadel vs Texas A&M Game Pick

• Texas A&M

Texas A&M enters Saturday with a significant advantage in overall talent and depth against an FCS opponent. The Aggies have struggled against SEC competition, but their 34-7 victory over Arkansas demonstrated their ability to dominate defensively. The Citadel has lost four of six games and allowed at least 26 points in five consecutive contests. Garcia leads a productive rushing attack, but Texas A&M has the personnel to limit his opportunities. Reed and the Aggies will take advantage of their home-field advantage and secure a comfortable victory.

The Citadel vs Texas A&M Over/Under Pick

• Under

The Citadel relies heavily on its rushing attack, which keeps the clock moving and reduces the number of possessions. The Bulldogs have 1,264 rushing yards, with Garcia averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Texas A&M has struggled offensively in recent games, scoring just six points against LSU and Missouri. Reed has thrown six interceptions, while the Aggies average only 3.9 yards per rushing attempt. Texas A&M controls the game defensively, and The Citadel's rushing approach will support a lower-scoring contest on Saturday afternoon.