Texas A&M's next opportunity for progression comes vs. No. 9 Mizzou
Strategies were planned. Schemes were developed. Weaknesses were identified. Strengths evaluated.
No doubt, much thought has gone into the game plan No. 25 Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0) has devised for its 11 a.m. Southeastern Conference football clash with No. 9 Missouri (4-0, 1-0) on Saturday at Kyle Field.
The final strategies and schemes are somewhat secretive. But Aggie coach Mike Elko said the first steps were obvious.
“It all starts with the quarterback, Brady Cook,” Elko said. “I think he’s extremely talented. (He) can throw the ball all over the field. Does make plays with his feet. Extends drives. Makes plays on third down.
“Not that I would label him a dual threat, but he does a lot of plays with his feet. A lot more than people give him credit for. And he’s such a winner. He plays the same the right way.”
The “right way” is seemingly defined as passing for more than 220 yards. Over the last two-and-a-half seasons, Missouri is 13-0 when Cook passes for more than 220 yards. That includes a 4-0 start this season.
Since 2022, the Tigers have only suffered nine losses with Cook starting at quarterback. But in seven of those losses, he passed for 220 yards or less.
Obviously, limiting Cook’s passing success is a key to defeating Missouri.
But easier said (or written) than done. First, Cook has at his disposal a heralded group of receivers led by All-American Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr.
Cook also has the luxury of productive running back Nate Noel, an Appalachian State transfer who has rushed for 320 yards in the Tigers’ previous two games vs. Boston College and Vanderbilt.
The running threat Noel provides prevents defenses from focusing solely on the passing game.
Cook also has the luxury of playing in an imaginative offense under coach Eli Drinkwitz.
“I think they do a really, really good job of attacking you sideline-to-sideline and then pushing you vertical in the throw game,” Elko said. “A lot of different play-action concepts. Always quick to go to a trick play at the right time. Does a really good job making sure that those are designed the right way, schemed the right way. He’s a really good offensive coach, and they’ve done a really good job for a long time.”
But Cook will have a contend with an A&M defense that hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in each of the last four games, boasts a ferocious pass rush, has claimed seven interceptions and will be assisted by a boisterous Kyle Field crowd, which surely has taken rather benign midweek comments from Cook as a challenge.
“The noise at practice is actually louder,” Cook said. “They put these big speakers pretty much two feet right behind me. You can’t hear anything. It’s loud. In stadiums, it’s loud, but it’s like a surrounding, kind of more distant loud. So it’s a little different.
“I think it’s just as loud or louder or tougher to communicate. We’ve been doing that every single rep this week.”
Of course, there is another quarterback involved in the game, too.
Although there is speculation that Conner Weigman may have recovered from a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, most believe redshirt freshman Marcel Reed will make his fourth consecutive start.
Drinkwitz said he expects Reed to start. Elko maintains the starter at quarterback will be a gametime decision.
If it is Reed, the Aggies likely need more production from him in the passing game.
Reed has thrown two touchdown passes in all of the games in which he has started. However, he has passed for no more than 178 yards in any game.
A&M needs him to raise that total, hopefully with deep passes. That would prevent Missouri safeties from getting overly involved in trying to contain running back Le’Veon Moss, who has rushed for at least 90 yards in each of the last three games.
Reed feels like he’s making progress.
“Just adjusting to the speed of the game. It gets different every single game we play. We get different coverages, different blitzes,” Reed said. “Everybody has to adapt. It’s definitely been a fast-paced change for me. I’m getting the hang of things. My teammates trust me. We’re getting wins, and that’s all we could ask for.”
The Aggies could ask for one more this week. They know it won’t come easily against an undefeated top-ten opponent.
“They’re going to be a tough team,” Reed said. “Obviously, they proved themselves last year (when Missouri finished 11-2). But they’re coming to Kyle Field, so we’re going to give them something.”
