Missouri is in need of some offense in the second half if they want to join the Auburn Tigers in Atlanta for next weekend’s SEC Championship Game. Trailing Texas A&M 14-7 at the half, Missouri is in a hole that could allow South Carolina to take their place in Atlanta.
Texas A&M’s defense has often been exposed and criticized this season, but so far in Columbia, Missouri the Aggies defense has handled Missouri’s offense quite well.
Johnny Manziel has completed 12 of 16 pass attempts for 124 yards and a touchdown to help the Aggies get something going on offense, but he has yet to make any huge plays with his feet. Manziel has five rushing yards on seven official carries. Brandon Williams has rushed for 60 yards and Tra Carson has a rushing touchdown to help Texas A&M hold the 14-7 lead at the break.
Missouri’s biggest offensive highlight in the first half was a 38-yard touchdown pass from James Franklin to Dorial Green-Beckham in the second quarter. That tied the game at 7-7 but a little more than a minute later Manziel heaved up a desperation pass that was hauled in by Derel Walker for a 32-yard score under pressure.
Missouri will need to get something going in the second half, and a fast start could be crucial to establish some momentum. Texas A&M’s defense has not played this well all season, but how long can they keep that going? Missouri should be able to find some plays that work and break this Aggies defense.
A Missouri win will send them to the SEC Championship Game next week. A Texas A&M will send South Carolina to the championship game. Auburn clinched a spot in the conference title game with a wild ending in the Iron Bowl against Alabama.
