Texas A&M, Missouri Battle to Stay in SEC Race for Now

Oct 3, 20243 min read

Texas A&M-Missouri — © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

No. 25 Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) faces its biggest challenge yet as it hosts No. 9 Missouri (4-0, 1-0) in an SEC showdown at Noon EST on Oct. 5 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

The Aggies have won four in a row, while Missouri enters the game undefeated.

What's at Stake?

This game has massive implications in the early SEC Championship race. Both Texas A&M and Missouri are among six SEC teams undefeated in conference play. TexasA&M is the only SEC team with two conference wins.

The winner strengthens its case to become a conference contender. Missouri has two more ranked opponents on its schedule, including an Oct. 26 road game against No. 1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0). Texas A&M does not play another team that is currently ranked until its season finale against No. 2 Texas (5-0, 1-0) on Nov. 30.

With few possible ranked wins available, the Texas A&M-Missouri game could be crucial in helping form the SEC race.

Key Players: Texas A&M

Offense

QB Marcel Reed, Conner Weigman

Reed has started the last 3 games in place of an injured Weigman and led the Aggies to 3 wins. His dual-threat ability causes chaos for defenses. He has thrown 2 touchdown passes in each of his starts and has yet to throw an interception. Weigman is again considered a game-time decision, so Missouri will need to prepare for both quarterbacks.

RB Le'Veon Moss

Moss is playing with plenty of confidence and is coming off his second 100-yard rushing game of the season. He averages 6.2 yards per carry and sets the tone for the Aggies' offense.

WR Noah Thomas

The wide receiver position has been inconsistent for A&M this year, but Thomas had a breakout game against Arkansas on Sept. 28. It was his first 100-yard receiving game, and he scored a 58-yard touchdown.

Defense

DL Nic Scourton

Scourton is A&M's best pass rusher and a potential first-round NFL talent. He has come alive the last two games with 3 sacks, including a timely forced fumble on a strip sack that ended Arkansas' chances of winning the Southwest Classic.

DB Dezz Ricks

The freshman defensive back was inserted into the starting lineup on Sept. 28 and played well. He had 5 tackles and a crucial interception to help keep the Aggies in the game long enough to pull out the win. With the skill level of Missouri's receivers, Ricks and the rest of the secondary will be a vital component of this game.

Key Players: Missouri

Offense

QB Brady Cook

Cook is completing 68.7 percent of his passes for 946 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception this season. He is one of the most underrated and unsung players in college football. Cook has a host of weapons that make him even more dangerous.

RB Nate Noel

Noel ran for over 3,000 yards while at Appalachian State and has picked up where he left off. He has gone for over 100 yards each of the last 2 games, including a 199-yard performance against Vanderbilt on Sept. 21.

WR Luther Burden III

Missouri is deep at receiver, and Burden is the most high-profile of the bunch. He is a projected first-round NFL draft pick and has 4 touchdown catches this season after collecting 86 catches for 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2023.

Defense

S Marvin Burks Jr.

Burks Jr. leads Missouri with 24 tackles and is tied for the team lead in interceptions. The sophomore's best game was on Sept. 21 against Vanderbilt, when he had 12 tackles.

LB Corey Flagg

The former three-star recruit and Miami (Fla.) transfer is second on the team with 20 tackles and a sack this season. He will be an important player in this game as the middle of the Missouri defense tries to contain Moss and the A&M running game.