Texas sits at 6-2 and begins a two-game road trip this weekend, heading to Columbia, Missouri to take on the Tigers
. Similar to every SEC team, the talent level is remarkable, led by their QB that’s shooting up draft boards. Arch Manning and the Texas offense will have to deal with elite players, including a remarkable second-year pass rusher. Going on the road in the SEC is always difficult but this will be a next-level challenge for the Longhorns.Here are the six Tigers you’ll want to know before kickoff:
Missouri Tigers RB Jamal Roberts
The Texas defense has faced Kewan Lacy, Desean Bishop, Fluff Bothwell and Jadan Baugh thus far this season. There’s an argument Roberts presents the biggest problem of any of them. The 6’0”, 216lbs senior has already topped 1,000 rushing
yards this season on 190 attempts, already eclipsing his 124 carries last season. Roberts has topped 90 yards in four of the last five games, including two 200-yard performances. Ole Miss was able to hold Roberts to 39 yards on 20 carries and Texas will have to match that to handle the Missouri offense.
Missouri Tigers WR Cayden Lee
There’s an argument that the best QB-WR duo in the SEC resides in Columbia. Simmons and Lee are both Ole Miss transfers and are best friends off the field. Lee’s saviness as a route runner makes him a nightmare to guard. He’s already topped 750 yards on 53 catches, both team highs, adding 5 TDs to his tally. The status of Graceson Littleton is all important, considering Lee does most of his work out of the slot. Keeping Lee out of the game is impossible(over 5 catches in every game this season) but slowing him is a must.
Missouri Tigers OT Cayden Green
Considering the Missouri passing game is a two-man show, we’ll turn to the OL for the final offensive player. Green is one of the best OTs in the sport and will hear his name called in the first round next April. Colin Simmons status is still in question, meaning Lance Jackson and Zina Umeozulu will need to be ready to compete with an elite pass protector. The Missouri OL as a whole has been an up-and-down unit but Green is likely to play elite football on Saturday.
Missouri Tigers DL Daeden Hopkins
On defense, it all starts with the redshirt freshman pass rusher. Hopkins has already amassed 7 sacks and 2 FFs this season, however hasn’t logged one in the last two games. Two things have plagued the Texas offense: a poor run game and consistent pressure on Manning. Hopkins is capable of doing both of those things and likely will throughout Saturday’s game. The Texas OL will have to attempt to corral No. 10 if the offense is going to create any offense.
Missouri Tigers LB Nicholas Rodriguez
There aren’t many tacklers in college football better than Nicholas Rodriguez. He ranks second in the FBS in tackles this season with 86, outpacing his teammates by 20. His ability to shoot gaps, something Texas has struggled to stop, in the run game is incredible. He’s added 1.5 sacks and 2 FFs this season, with both forced fumbles coming in the last two weeks. Alongside Robert Woodyard Jr., he makes up one of the best LB duos in the country alongside the Longhorns duo.
Missouri Tigers S Trajen Greco
As we move to the backend, Trejen Greco is the playmaker Arch Manning has to worry about. Greco has 3 INTs and 4 PDs this season, including one last week against Arkansas. His ball skills and feel for the game is elite, meaning Manning will have to be decisive and accurate with the ball. Texas’ struggles with turnovers will be tested, largely by Greco, on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Missouri Tigers to watch vs. Texas: Roberts, Lee, Hopkins, Rodriguez
