Missouri defeats Texas A&M 27 – 6 on a great performance from Batoon’s defense. Last week the Tigers outgained the Gators with 560 yards, thanks to impressive performances from Simmons and Roberts. This week the defense allowed only 216 total yards, generating two interceptions (one in the end zone), allowing only 10 first downs, and recording 3 sacks.

Throughout the entire game, Marcel Reed struggled to move the ball on offense. He relied on KJ Edwards, and Batoon did a great job defending the run throughout the game. Other times, when A&M’s offensive coordinator tried designed runs for Reed, Missouri had MLB Nic Rodriguez as a QB spy, waiting for Reed to leave the pocket to tackle him. Lastly, when he threw over the middle, those were the times the secondary picked off Reed.

On offense, Chip Lindsey leaned on Jamal Roberts as the focal point, giving him 34 carries, which he turned into 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He started slow, but just as he did against Florida, he got stronger as the game went on, breaking longer runs in the third and fourth quarters. He scored Mizzou’s second touchdown early in the fourth quarter, then ripped off a monster 54-yard run that put the game away.

On the passing side, Simmons started the game well with a touchdown pass to Cayden Lee, but as the game went on, they struggled to maintain connections like they did against Florida. Caleb Goodie and TE1 Norfleet dropped some key passes, and Simmons had some miscommunications with Cayden Lee.

Not all wins are made equal. This week it was a defensive battle, and the Tigers responded to the challenge by relying on the run and a great defensive performance. If this season’s trend continues, Drink is going to use this week of practice to clean up the miscues Simmons had in the passing game as they get ready for Ole Miss.