Texas A&M may have finally found the formula it needs for the remainder of the season. After consecutive losses to Kentucky and LSU knocked the Aggies from the Top 25, Mike Elko’s team responded with a convincing 34-7 victory over Arkansas. Now comes a much tougher assignment: a trip to Columbia to face No. 14 Missouri, fresh from an impressive 45-17 dismantling of Florida.
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Missouri is 4-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play, while Texas A&M enters at 3-2 and 1-2. The Aggies badly need this game if they have any realistic hope of climbing back into the conference race.
The matchup begins with Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed has been inconsistent and has thrown four interceptions this season, but he looked much more comfortable against Arkansas. He completed 13 of 19 passes for 170 yards and rushed for 66 yards. More importantly, A&M rushed for 231 yards as a team. When the Aggies can establish their running game, Reed becomes much more dangerous because defenses have to account for his legs as well as his arm. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz knows that firsthand: Reed helped A&M beat the Tigers 38-17 in Columbia last season.
Missouri presents a very different challenge from Arkansas. Running back Jamal Roberts was sensational against Florida, rushing for 211 yards and three touchdowns, while Austin Simmons threw for 340 yards and two scores. The Tigers accumulated 560 yards against a Florida team that entered the weekend ranked eighth nationally.
That puts considerable pressure on Texas A&M’s defensive front. The Aggies cannot allow Roberts to consistently reach the second level, but selling out to stop him opens throwing lanes for Simmons. Missouri has enough balance to punish either approach.
A&M’s best defense may be its offense. Long possessions, a productive running game and manageable third downs would keep Missouri’s playmakers standing on the sideline. Turnovers are especially important; Reed cannot give the Tigers short fields.
There is also an interesting historical element. A&M has won its last three meetings with Missouri and holds an 11-7 advantage in the series.
I expect the Aggies to make this considerably tougher than Florida did. Reed’s mobility will cause Missouri problems, and A&M should be able to run the football. But Missouri is playing at home and currently has more ways to generate explosive plays.
The Tigers survive a fourth-quarter fight.
Prediction: Missouri 27, Texas A&M 23Â Â Note: 16Powers.com is 19-8 so far this season picking winners. That said, these predictions are intended for entertainment purposes only.Â
