Texas A&M's 34-7 win over Arkansas was critical if the Aggies have any shot at running the table and getting back to the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season, and while that may sound comical to some in the Aggie fan base, third-year coach Mike Elko was hired to change the narrative surrounding the program, making progress after last season's historic success.
On Saturday, Texas A&M will head back to Columbia for the third time in five seasons to face No. 14 Missouri, coming off a blowout 45-17 win over Florida, which might play in the Aggies' favor heading into the early 11:00 a.m. kickoff. This season, SEC teams coming off emotional wins have either lost or looked average, including Florida, which defeated Ole Miss 52-28
before losing to Missouri.
Texas A&M has dealt with plenty of adversity early in the year, losing to Kentucky 31-21 at home and LSU 35-6 in Baton Rouge, looking lifeless on both sides of the ball. Finally, starting quarterback Marcel Reed was efficient in the pocket while using his legs, combined with an efficient rushing attack and a defense that allowed just 111 passing yards and seven points.
Statistically, Texas A&M's scoring defense (38th), passing defense (44th), and third-down defense (11th) rank higher than Missouri in ten key categories, set to face Mizzou's 29th-ranked passing attack led by transfer quarterback Austin Simmons, who passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns against Florida and has looked surgical in the pocket.
Marcel Reed has struggled in the pocket, but isn't lacking the necessary talent at wide receiver to get it done against Missouri's 99th-ranked passing defense. However, junior WR Mario Craver, who left Saturday's win vs. Arkansas, will likely be listed as "questionable" when the first availability report is released.
Texas A&M will face No. 14 Missouri on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., and the game will air on ABC.
Texas A&M at Mizzou by the numbers
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 6, 2026
Who wins the game? pic.twitter.com/g3WQRnv6AY
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Comparing Texas A&M and Missouri's strengths, weaknesses before Week 6
