Texas A&M's offensive identity problem might have been solved after the Aggies' 34-7 home win over Arkansas, as freshman running back KJ Edwards led the rushing attack with 66 yards and two touchdowns, with 231 total yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Edwards' rise is important, but first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and coach Mike Elko being on the same page is a good sign.
Through five games, starting quarterback Marcel Reed has thrown for 908 yards and six touchdowns, and four interceptions, and rushed for 170 yards and two scores. Reed has not taken the next step as a pocket passer and should not be the focal point on offense moving forward. While he needs to perform better as a pocket passer, the run game should be heavily utilized.
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Saturday, Texas A&M will travel to Columbia for the second straight season to face No. 13 Missouri, as the Tigers come off a shocking 45-17 home win over Florida. The Aggies' 60th-ranked rushing attack, averaging nearly 170 yards per game, will face Missouri's 12th-ranked run defense, which shut down Florida star RB Jaden Baugh and is holding opponents to under 2.5 yards per carry.
During Monday's pre-game press conference, Mike Elko said he's well aware of the challenge his offense and defense will face against the Tigers, especially in the trenches, where the game could be decided unless Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons shreds the Aggies' secondary.
"They're playing really, really good football. They're 12th in the country at only giving up 2.6 yards per carry," Elko said. "They did a good job in shutting down an elite tailback last week."
Texas A&M's running back depth will be key, and while Rueben Owens, who is averaging 4.2 yards per carry, is still a reliable north/south runner, Jamarion Morrow, who missed the Arkansas game, should be fully healthy and will be the second most reliable option behind KJ Edwards.
Marcel Reed will need to complete his high-percentage throws and, once again, use his legs, which will be difficult knowing Missouri's defense will force him to beat them from the pocket.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M's rushing attack will face massive challenge vs. Missouri
