Trenches Preview: Texas A&M at Mizzou

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Texas A&M’s October began on a high note with a 34-7 beating of Arkansas that finally put the Aggies in the SEC win column. Unfortunately for Mike Elko and company, the rest of the SEC slate features incredibly tough competition starting this week with Missouri. Texas A&M’s trench units will be tested on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball as the Aggies look to build momentum on the road against a Tigers squad coming off a massive win over Florida. Let’s dive into what needs to happen along the offensive and defensive lines for the Aggies to find success.

Offensive Line

Texas A&M’s strategy against Arkansas could not have been clearer. The Aggies wanted to lean on the rushing attack to find success offensively and limit the number of throws Marcel Reed was forced to make. That strategy led to 49 rushing attempts for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Reed threw the ball just 19 times. I believe for Texas A&M to be successful, that’s what the run / pass split needs to be going forward. KJ Edwards showed the explosiveness that made him so exciting for Texas A&M fans, Reed used his legs, and Rueben Owens was solid, if not game-changing. The success in the run game did lead to some success for Marcel Reed throwing the ball, even if the concerns about accuracy are still there. Now we see if the Aggies can replicate this effort against better competition.

Florida came into the game against Missouri with one of the best rushing attacks in the country. The Gators ran for nearly 250 yards against Auburn and put up over 300 yards rushing against Ole Miss. Missouri held Florida to just 42 yards on 25 carries, including limiting Jaden Baugh to just 13 yards on 12 carries. A stunning performance for this Mizzou squad. In short, I’m not confident in Texas A&M’s ability to generate push up front against this extremely experienced Tigers front. Where does that leave Texas A&M?

I think the Aggies have to try to get the ball on the edges. Mizzou’s middle of the defense is stout. Nicholas Rodriguez at linebacker has been a sure tackler behind the defensive line. So create misdirection and get KJ Edwards to the outside. Let his explosiveness work instead of trying to run with power. Lean on Marcel’s legs as well to keep the Missouri defenders honest.

In the passing game, Missouri has excelled at generating pressure and ranks fourth in the conference in sacks with 15 on the season. The ability of the Tigers to generate pressure is simply another reason to use Marcel’s legs to confound an extremely talented defensive front. Still, even if the Aggies employ this strategy, I expect a significant struggle for a Texas A&M offense that struggles to produce explosive plays. It will likely take some major help from the defensive side of the ball for the Aggies to win this one.

Defensive Line

There isn’t really a way to get around the fact that this defensive line unit has been a disappointment thus far in 2026. The Aggies rank dead last in sacks and also rank in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense. The Aggies notched just one sack against an Arkansas offensive line that, up to last week, was at the bottom of the conference in sacks allowed. Arkansas still ranks bottom of the conference in rushing offense but was able to go for over 100 yards against Texas A&M. Texas A&M simply has to be better up front.

In Missouri, they face another stiff test as the Tigers possess one of the most potent offenses the Aggies have seen this year. In fact, I think Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons is likely the best quarterback Texas A&M has faced at this point in the season. The Tigers can also run the ball well, with Jamal Roberts shining in the backfield. As mentioned above, the Texas A&M offense will likely need help to get a win against Missouri. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening unless the Aggies find a gear we haven’t seen yet up front on the defensive line.

This Missouri offensive line is experienced and has allowed just six sacks through five games. The winning equation is the same it has been. Bring pressure, something the Aggies have simply failed to do with four upfront. I’ve been concerned with the interior DL and still am, but Landon Rink has been a bit of a bright spot there. Maybe play Rink a little more and see if the Aggies can find more success against the run. Sanford returning to form at LB could be a big help there as well. Still, I don’t think this defense is strong enough to hold against Mizzou in the trenches.

We’ll see if the Aggies found a spark against Arkansas. Sometimes a win like that is all you need to find footing after a skid. Ultimately, though, I think Missouri controls this one en route to a 34-21 victory for the Tigers.

#BTHOmizzou

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