Undefeated on the Line: Can Texas A&M Stay Perfect at Missouri?
As one of four unbeaten teams in the country, the Texas A&M Aggies travel to Columbia this Saturday to face the Missouri Tigers. The Aggies will look to keep the perfect season alive while the Tigers will lean on a freshman quarterback in hopes of spoiling the run. Texas A&M enters Week 11 ranked third in the AP Poll, powered by one of the SEC’s most balanced offenses and a stellar defense. Missouri, sitting at 6-2, will need an almost perfect performance to defend home turf and complete the upset.
Saturday’s showdown marks a critical test for both programs. The Aggies aim to stay perfect as the College Football Playoff nears. Texas A&M blew out LSU 49-25 in their last matchup, a game where dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed shined. Missouri, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after a 17–10 loss to Vanderbilt, its second SEC defeat of the season. Both teams coming off a bye, are well rested and ready for kickoff, which could have major implications for the rest of the season.
The Tigers will be without starting quarterback Beau Pribula, who suffered a dislocated ankle against Vanderbilt. Matt Zollers will get the start for the Tigers and has had two weeks to prepare. Texas A&M's defense has had the same time to game-plan for him. Tight end Brett Norfleet, who leads the team in receiving touchdowns, is listed as questionable heading into Week 11. The Aggies will be without starting running back Le’Veon Moss and key defensive players in linebacker Scooby Williams and safety Bryce Anderson.
Marcel Reed has been the centerpiece of A&M's offense, combining efficient passing and elusive rushing. Reed will challenge Missouri's defense both in the air and on the ground. Mario Craver, the Aggies' standout receiver, has been a top target with 716 receiving yards, while KC Conception will also be a force to stop in the passing game. Conception has seven touchdowns and 545 yards through eight games. Ahmad Hardy leads the Tigers with 11 touchdowns and 937 yards on the ground, a key challenge for the Aggies' defense.
This matchup between Texas A&M and Missouri promises to be an SEC thriller. The Aggies aim to stay undefeated and add to their College Football Playoff resume. Meanwhile, the Tigers hope to capitalize on home turf and upset one of the hottest teams in college football. With a dynamic player like Marcel Reed commanding the offense for the Aggies and an inexperienced quarterback for the Tigers, I think A&M stays undefeated. I don't think the Tigers can contain the Aggies' dynamic attack, along with the Aggies' resilient defense. I predict the Aggies will win convincingly and keep their streak alive.
