As the Missouri Tigers prepare to face the Texas A&M Aggies, coach Eli Drinkwitz addressed his team earlier this week, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming game against the No. 3 ranked Aggies. The Tigers, currently ranked No. 19, are coming off a tough stretch, having lost two of their last three games, which was further compounded by a season-ending injury to their talented quarterback, Beau Pribula.
Drinkwitz shared a message of optimism with his players, highlighting the opportunities still available to them. “If you would have told us when we started fall camp that we would be ranked coming out of the second bye week with everything we want in front of us, and we get to play a top-10 team at home, would everybody have signed up for it? We all said yes,” he stated.
The Tigers, with a record of 6-2 and 2-2 in the SEC, have a slim chance of reaching the conference title game and the College Football Playoff, but first must overcome the undefeated Aggies, who hold a record of 8-0 and are 5-0 in conference play. Missouri”s last victory over a top-five team dates back to the 2010 season, and they have not defeated Texas A&M since joining the SEC.
“You know, there”s really nothing to fear,” Drinkwitz remarked. “It”s just a hell of an opportunity laying out there for us.”
Meanwhile, Texas A&M is also focused on making the most of their remaining games this season. With their next two matchups against struggling opponents, the Missouri game represents a significant challenge that coach Mike Elko acknowledges. “I think we are desperate,” Elko stated. “We have earned everything that we”ve got, right? We”ve got a record, we”ve got a ranking, and we”ve got opportunities that we”ve worked really hard to earn.”
Elko noted that Missouri remains a contender for the playoff, albeit with a challenging path ahead. “They obviously know they”re going to have to win out in order probably to get in,” he added, emphasizing the stakes involved for both teams.
After stepping in for Pribula during a recent loss to Vanderbilt, Matthew Zollers will become the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Missouri since Drew Lock in 2015. “It”s about playing to what his strengths are,” Drinkwitz said, indicating a focus on tailoring the offense to suit Zollers” abilities.
The Tigers won their first two matchups against the Aggies as SEC rivals, but Texas A&M has claimed victory in the last two encounters. Historically, the Aggies lead the series 10-7, and they are currently benefiting from a stronger offensive line than anticipated, having not allowed a sack in three consecutive games.
Elko remains hopeful about the return of star running back Le”Veon Moss, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, while Rueben Owens II has stepped up as the primary ball carrier in Moss” absence.
As the Tigers gear up for this critical game, both teams understand the weight of the moment and the potential implications it holds for their respective seasons.
