12 ways Texas A&M can secure the win over Mizzou

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No. 25 Texas A&M hosts the No. 9 Missouri Tigers at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kyle Field, with the winner controlling their own destiny in the SEC. It’s an opportunity for perhaps the first true statement win of the Mike Elko era, but will the Aggies be up for the challenge? If so, here are 12 things that would go a long way in helping the Aggies secure the victory.

1. Win the running game battle

Texas A&M is 13th in the country in rushing yards per game with 231.6, while Mizzou isn’t far behind at No. 26 with 206.5 yards per game. Both of these offense like to establish the run, but both defenses are adept at stopping it, so whoever can do so most effectively is going to put themselves in the driver’s seat. In particular, be sure to watch the battle between RBs Nate Noel (2nd in the SEC with 110.25 YPG) and Le’Veon Moss (5th in the SEC with 94.2 YPG).

2. Limit big plays

Neither of these teams have been particularly good at explosive plays, but Mizzou has unquestionably been worse. Big plays have been the Achilles heel of the A&M defense, so if they are able to limit them against the Tigers, this defense has a chance to really do some damage.

3. They choose the right QB

I’m not going to pretend to know which one that is, but the bottom line is that A&M will likely need good QB play to win this one (unlike the past handful of games). Will that mean the dual threat of Marcel Reed? Will it mean a healthy Conner Weigman? We’ll find out Saturday.

4. Turnover luck continues

Maybe “luck” isn’t the right word, but the bottom line is that winning the turnover battle has been a big reason why A&M is on their current four-game winning streak. It’s a vital component in every game, but in a game where both offenses are somewhat middling and points could be at a premium, it becomes even more pivotal.

5. You, yes you, wear the right shirt

If you think what you do personally doesn’t impact the team’s performance, you clearly just don’t care enough. If the team is losing? Change shirts. If we throw a pick, watch on another TV. Do whatever is necessary to alter the Aggie mojo and swing things in our favor.

6. Collin Klein gets creative

While we have seen the occasional creativity in this offense, it certainly feels like things have been more stale than most Aggie fans would have hoped so far. Is this the game where we see some trickery, or some “ooh” moments from a scheme perspective? Top 10 team coming to Kyle Field, can’t hold anything back now.

7. Secondary steps up

A&M opponents are averaging 261 yards through the air over the past three games, and it’s not shocking that the rise in our opponents’ passing success has coincided with the season-ending injury of NB Tyreek Chappell. Transfer Jaydon Hill took over duties at nickel with varying degrees of success, but it seems fellow transfer B.J. Mayes has made the transition from corner to nickel as well, and may well see more time in this game. If he, along with Dezz Ricks and Will Lee, can provide above average coverage, they could make things a lot harder on the Tiger offense.

8. Get a defensive or special teams touchdown

Win probability spikes when you’re able to get points without the offense even touching the ball. We got a defensive score against Florida (and have been close to a couple others), but sure feels like the return game (i.e. five-star freshman Terry Bussey) is due for a game-changing run-back. Does it happen this week?

9. No dumb penalties

Nobody expects mistake-free football. But A&M has been guilty of too many penalties after the play or away from the ball. If you can limit those mental mistakes and penalties that don’t even impact the play, it could be the difference in what should be a tight game.

10. Effort effort effort

You’ve heard Mike Elko harp on it in his locker room speeches, but in a game where the margins are so small, often the team dedicated to straining more, hustling more and being more physical is the one that will win out. Saying you have to “want it more” is cliche, but it’s cliche for a reason. If you want to be the better team, go out there and prove that you’re the better team, and that starts in the trenches.

11. Benefit from a missed kick

Mizzou kicker Blake Craig has already missed five field goals on the season. Add in the distraction of the 12th Man, and he could be good for another this weekend. Obviously taking points off the board is the most important benefit, but the mental toll of a missed kick (and the way it impacts decision-making the rest of the game) can have a bit impact.

12. Let the 12th Man cook

And no, I don’t mean baking in the midday sun (though that is gonna happen too). Let’s see some big defensive plays or offensive scores early. Give the crowd a reason to hope and they could have this Missouri team in absolute hell all game.

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