Texas A&M Eyes Major SEC Upset Against No. 14 Missouri

Texas A&M football has an opportunity to turn its season around Saturday, but standing in the Aggies' way is one of the SEC's most explosive offenses and a quarterback rapidly gaining national attention.

The Aggies (3-2, 1-2 SEC) travel to Columbia to face No. 14 Missouri (4-1, 1-1 SEC), looking to build on last weekend's convincing 34-7 victory over Arkansas.

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For head coach Mike Elko, it's a chance to prove his team can compete with the SEC's best after disappointing losses to Kentucky and LSU.

Texas A&M's performance against Arkansas provided some encouragement. The Aggies generated 401 yards of offense, including 231 rushing yards, while holding the Razorbacks to just 214 total yards.

"We were able to establish the run offensively," Elko said following the victory, praising his team's physicality at the line of scrimmage.

Quarterback Marcel Reed completed 13 of 19 passes for 170 yards while adding 66 rushing yards and a touchdown. Freshman running backs KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker combined for three rushing scores.

However, Missouri represents a considerably tougher challenge.

Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons enters Saturday with 1,287 passing yards and 13 touchdowns through five games. He dismantled Florida's defense last weekend, throwing for 340 yards and two scores in a stunning 45-17 victory.

Missouri running back Jamal Roberts was equally impressive, rushing for 211 yards and three touchdowns against the Gators.

That's a dangerous combination for an Aggies defense that can't afford missed tackles or blown assignments.

For Texas A&M, the formula isn't complicated. Establish the running game, limit turnovers and keep Simmons from creating explosive plays downfield.

Reed must also become more efficient as a passer, particularly when Missouri forces the Aggies into obvious passing situations.

The encouraging news? Texas A&M defeated Missouri 38-17 in Columbia last season.

But Saturday's matchup carries considerably different circumstances, with Missouri riding high after dismantling a nationally ranked opponent.

If the Aggies can control possession and pressure Simmons, another upset isn't out of the question.

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Otherwise, Missouri could turn Saturday into another frustrating afternoon for Elko's rebuilding SEC contender.

Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 10, at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.