Texas A&M at Missouri: Aggies Look to Stay Perfect Against Injury-Depleted Tigers
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 3:30 PM ET | Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO
Opening Line: Texas A&M -7 | Total: 48 at BetOnline
The #3 Texas A&M Aggies (8-0, 5-0 SEC) travel to Columbia to face the #19 Missouri Tigers (6-2, 2-2 SEC) in a Week 11 matchup that could test whether the undefeated Aggies can handle the pressure of their playoff aspirations against a wounded but dangerous Tigers squad playing at home.
The Aggies Roll On
Coming off an extra week of preparation following their dominant 49-25 road win over LSU on October 25th, Texas A&M has proven they can perform on hostile turf. The Aggies have been road warriors this season, posting impressive wins at LSU, Arkansas, and Notre Dame while scoring 40-plus points in each of those contests. Their ability to explode offensively was on full display in Death Valley, where they rattled off 35 unanswered points in the second half before allowing a meaningless late touchdown.
The numbers back up the Aggies’ dominance. Texas A&M boasts a +1.9 yards per play differential and a +1.2 yards per rush attempt differential, showcasing their ability to control both sides of the ball. With Marcel Reed under center and the offense clicking, they’ve established themselves as legitimate playoff contenders sitting atop the SEC standings.
Missouri’s Quarterback Crisis
The Tigers enter this matchup facing their biggest challenge of the season: navigating without their top two quarterbacks. After Beau Pribula suffered a dislocated ankle against Vanderbilt on October 25th—a game Missouri lost 17-10—the Tigers are down to true freshman Matt Zollers as their starter. The injury situation is dire, with Sam Horn having been ruled out for the season with a leg injury back in Week 1, leaving redshirt junior walk-on Brett Brown as the backup behind Zollers.
While Zollers showed promise in relief duty against Vanderbilt, asking a true freshman to lead the offense against the nation’s #3 team represents a monumental task. This becomes especially concerning when considering Missouri has averaged just 17 points per game in regulation over their last three SEC matchups.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Missouri’s statistical profile actually paints the picture of a potential live underdog. The Tigers sport an impressive +2.2 yards per rush attempt differential and a +1.4 yards per play differential—numbers that typically signal a team capable of hanging with superior opponents, especially at home. Their defense has been solid throughout the season, with both losses coming by one score to ranked opponents (Vanderbilt and Alabama).
The Tigers have shown they can compete with quality competition, coming within three points of Alabama and securing wins over Auburn and Kansas. However, their schedule strength pales in comparison to what Texas A&M has faced and conquered.
Historical Context and Trends
Texas A&M holds a 10-7 all-time series advantage over Missouri and has won the last two meetings between these programs. Last season’s 41-10 demolition at Kyle Field serves as a reminder of what can happen when these teams meet at full strength. The Aggies have also shown they can handle business in Columbia, though Missouri’s home field advantage at Faurot Field shouldn’t be completely dismissed.
The line movement tells its own story. After opening at Texas A&M -6, sharp money has already pushed this number through the key number of 7, with some books showing movement toward -7.5. This early action suggests confidence in the Aggies’ ability to cover despite the road environment.
The Handicapping Angle
Teams in Texas A&M’s position—undefeated, highly ranked, with everything to play for—sometimes play tight and conservative, making them vulnerable to backdoor covers. Missouri’s strong differential numbers and home field advantage would typically make them an attractive underdog play. The first half line of Missouri +3.5 presents an interesting angle, as the Tigers could potentially keep pace early before depth and talent take over.
However, the quarterback situation tilts the scales significantly. With coaching carousel rumors swirling around Eli Drinkwitz adding another layer of distraction, Missouri faces multiple headwinds entering this crucial matchup. Look for Texas A&M to establish control in the second half, with the freshman quarterback likely to commit a costly mistake or two under pressure.
The Play
While Missouri has the statistical profile of a team that could keep this close, the combination of quarterback injuries, coaching distractions, and Texas A&M’s road prowess makes the Aggies the right side. The extra week of preparation for Texas A&M should allow them to game plan effectively for Missouri’s depleted quarterback room.
Expect Texas A&M to control the line of scrimmage and wear down Missouri as the game progresses. The Tigers may hang around for a half, but the Aggies’ superior depth and talent should shine through in the final 30 minutes.
Pick: Texas A&M -7
The Aggies continue their march toward the playoffs with another road win, covering the touchdown spread as Missouri’s offensive limitations prove too much to overcome against a championship-caliber defense.