Defense wins games and Texas A&M needed every bit of it on Saturday night.

The Aggies were able to mount a comeback, after trailing in the fourth quarter to beat South Carolina 24-17. Both teams faced the danger of losing their Week 4 matchup with Texas A&M winning an emotional overtime game against Arkansas 50-43, while South Carolina inched out a victory versus Louisiana Tech at home 17-16. The Aggies were able to continue to the momentum with a crucial win in Week 5.

The Gamecocks were 0-3 against Texas A&M and now move to 0-4. The two schools first began playing in 2014 and have played every year since.

This was the SEC Network primetime game lived up to the billing. Despite coming in as the underdog, South Carolina refused to go away quietly, even without its best playmaker, Deebo Samuel.

Here are some noteworthy takeaways from the game.

Aggies defense made plays when it counted

John Chavis and the Texas A&M defense were rightfully criticized for the collapse against UCLA but has made plays since. Just last week, the defense won the game over Arkansas in overtime, intercepting Austin Allen in the end zone.

Saturday night, Texas A&M made Jake Bentley’s life miserable. The Aggies’ defense turned up the heat, especially in the fourth quarter. Bentley was on the ground multiple times. One drive, he was sacked twice on the same set of downs.

The pass rush was set up by the staunch. run defense. They only allowed South Carolina to collect 23 rushing yards all night.

Stick to the ground game Coach

Trayveon Williams and Keith Ford were brilliant again, combining for over 100 yards and three touchdowns. Ford especially came alive in the fourth quarter.

Kevin Sumlin has been known for an air wizard in his past, but he really has something going on the ground with these two running backs. Before the 239 rushing yards accumulated Saturday night, the Aggies have averaged over 260 yards on the ground this season.

Not bad for a team that is known more for throwing the football.

Jake Bentley can still play

Jake Bentley had a solid night in College Station completing 17-30 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Even without his favorite target, Bentley proved why he is one of the most improved quarterbacks in the SEC.

Similar to Austin Allen at Arkansas, Bentley is a great quarterback losing his receiving threats to injuries and not getting the protection he deserves. Will Muschamp needs to shore up that offensive line before Week 6. The Gamecocks need to protect their valuable asset at quarterback.

If he continues to play well, South Carolina has a chance to win 8-9 games. The first two weekends of November will prove pivotal for the Gamecocks. They go to Georgia and return home for a date with Florida in that two-week span.

Shi Smith was brilliant catching the football. Bentley should try and develop more chemistry with him moving forward.

Eat your hearts out Texas A&M fans. Kevin Sumlin is a gritty 4-1.