Texas A&M’s defense impressed in their 34-7 victory over Arkansas last Saturday, allowing just 212 total yards and a single touchdown from former Aggie Chris Marshall. But Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons, who has thrown for 1,287 yards, 13 touchdowns, and zero interceptions through five games, has taken notice ahead of their SEC matchup this weekend.
Simmons, who led Missouri to a 45-17 win over Florida with a season-high 340 passing yards, praised Texas A&M’s defense on Tuesday. “They’re a great, talented team. You look at the way they performed last year against us. They’re a really tough team to play against,” he said. That Missouri has yet to defeat a Mike Elko-coached Aggies team, having lost both meetings last season, adds an extra layer of challenge to Saturday’s game.
Texas A&M’s defense ranks 41st nationally, allowing an average of 312.8 yards per game, with their secondary and run defense sitting at 44th and 48th respectively. After the Arkansas game, where the Aggies limited the Razorbacks to just 111 passing yards, the question remains whether they can contain Missouri’s dynamic passing attack. Simmons will test that secondary with wide receivers Cayden Lee and Donovan Olugbode, who have combined for 929 yards in five games.
The Aggies’ offense will need to control the clock and run the ball effectively to set up play-action opportunities for quarterback Marcel Reed, who has struggled this season. Meanwhile, the defense must increase pressure on Simmons, who noted that Texas A&M’s pass rush has been a weakness. “They’ve played much better, but have struggled to pressure the pocket,” he said.
Texas A&M’s improved defensive showing against Arkansas is a step forward, but Missouri’s explosive offense led by Simmons presents a stiffer test. The game will reveal more about both teams’ trajectories in the SEC this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.