In less than 24 hours, Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) will host the 9th-ranked Missouri Tigers in a critical Week 6 matchup with plenty of postseason implications for both programs as the midpoint of the 2024 season nears.
Coming off a bye week, the Tigers are healthy and ready to enter what could be a density-packed Kyle Field for an early kickoff and their first road trip of the year. On the other side, Texas A&M’s 21-17 win over Arkansas featured plenty of progress from the defense, especially junior defensive end Nic Scourton, who notched two sacks and four tackles for loss.
While A&M’s pass rush will look to pressure Tiger’s QB Brady Cook early and often, it’s the secondary that will have its hands full against Missouri star wide receiver Luther Burden, who will likely line up in the slot for most of the game. Here’s what head coach Mike Elko had to say about handling the star receiver earlier this week:
“It’s really hard to keep the ball out of his hands. We have to limit his touches as best we can and limit the explosive plays as best we can.”
With senior Texas A&M cornerback Tyreek Chappell lost for the season, former Florida CB Jaydon Hill has stepped in. He thrives as a blitzer but has struggled in man coverage. Standing at 5-11 and over 200 pounds, Burden is nearly unstoppable in the open field, so neutralizing him at the LOS is the best way to slow down his production.
While Hill will likely start in the slot due to his size, senior cornerback BJ Mayes is another option to consider due to his size, length, and previous success in man coverage, especially with ascending junior corner Will Lee starting on the outside.
Suppose the coverage game plan is similar to last week. In that case, I expect Hill to take most of the nickel snaps, but if he struggles, I expect Mayes or sophomore Bravion Rogers to step in to counter Burden, possibly.
Texas A&M will host Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11:00 a.m. CT. The game will air on ABC and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
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