Texas A&M's defense looked much better in last Saturday's 34-7 win over Arkansas, allowing 212 yards and 111 passing yards, while former Aggie wide receiver Chris Marshall's first-quarter touchdown catch was the Razorbacks' only points of the night. A step in the right direction? Sure, but facing No. 14 Missouri on the road this Saturday will tell everything we need to know about Texas A&M's improvement arc.

Missouri currently looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC after destroying Florida 45-17 on Saturday, thanks to transfer quarterback Austin Simmons, who has already thrown for 1,287 yards, 13 touchdowns, and zero interceptions through five games. Throwing for a season-high 340 yards against the Gators, Texas A&M's secondary will face its stiffest challenge yet.

While Texas A&M's offense, led by struggling quarterback Marcel Reed, must control the clock, run the ball, and set up play-action opportunities for Reed, the Aggie defense must prevent explosive plays in the passing game, going against Missouri wide receivers Cayden Lee (522 yards) and Donovan Olugbode (407 yards), who have combined for 929 yards through five games.

Austin Simmons is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the country and looks like a perfect fit in Drinkwitz' offense, but is fully aware that Missouri has yet to defeat a Mike Elko-coached Texas A&M team, falling to the Aggies at home and on the road the last two seasons.

Simmons praised A&M's defense on Tuesday, which has played much better, but has struggled to pressure the pocket.

"They're a great, talented team. You look at the way they performed last year against us. They're a really tough team to play against."

Texas A&M's defense, despite its recent struggles, ranks 41st nationally, allowing an average of 312.8 yards per game, while the Aggies' 44th-ranked secondary and 48th-ranked rushing defense will be tested throughout the afternoon.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'They're a great, talented team': Missouri star QB praises Texas A&M

Source: Yahoo Sports