Welcome to our weekly Havoc Rankings, where the volatility of offenses and defenses is graded for potential wagering.
This week, we separate out the Power Four (plus Notre Dame) from the Group of Five (and UConn).
The Huskies lead all G5 teams as the safest offense from a Havoc allowed perspective. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech is closely followed by Memphis as the most chaotic defense outside of the Power Four.
For those unfamiliar, Havoc is the collection of stats that can derail offensive momentum on the defensive side of the ball, including tackles for loss, pass breakups, forced fumbles, interceptions and sacks.
Havoc allowed, meanwhile, is a stat used to quantify an offense's ability to avoid chaos that creates a negative play. Offenses that are elite in Havoc allowed have a low number of fumbles, interceptions and tackles for loss allowed.
Let's take a look at our Week 12 college football predictions for South Carolina vs. Texas A&M and Week 12 Havoc Rankings for the upcoming week.
Week 12 College Football Predictions, Havoc Rankings
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M Odds, Picks
| South Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+19 -110 | 48 -110o / -110u | +700 |
| Texas A&M Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-19 -110 | 48 -110o / -110u | -1100 |
Defensive Havoc: Texas A&M 4th · South Carolina 75th
Havoc Allowed: Texas A&M 3rd · South Carolina 131st
Texas A&M has shaped into one of the more fascinating defenses in the country, currently ranked as the fourth-most chaotic unit in the nation.
The Aggies' numbers are powered by a top-five ranking in tackles for loss, while also generating a top-10 mark in pass rush, per PFF.
Both factors are sure to play a role against South Carolina in Week 12. The Gamecocks have been one of the worst offenses nationally in protecting the ball, ranking 131st in Havoc allowed.
The fascination with Texas A&M comes from its rank of 133rd in Finishing Drives allowed, a measurement of how the defense performs when opposing offenses reach scoring position. The Aggies are near dead last in points allowed when opponents cross the 40-yard line.
But the great news for Aggies head coach Mike Elko is that his team will now face a South Carolina offense that fails to create quality drives and ranks 132nd in offensive momentum killer.
A&M quarterback Marcel Reed should have no issues with protection when the Texas A&M offense hits the field. The Aggies sit third in Havoc allowed, giving Reed time to hit explosives through the air to wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion.
Look for Texas A&M to roll against a South Carolina team that can't take advantage of the Aggies' biggest weaknesses.
Pick: Texas A&M -19 or Better
