Missouri and Texas meet Saturday morning in a top-20 showdown that carries real weight in the SEC race and the College Football Playoff picture.
No. 19 Missouri will host No.
9/10 Texas on Nov. 7 at Faurot Field, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. The Tigers are 6-2 overall and 3-2 in SEC play, and they’re working with very little room left to slip.
Texas comes in at 6-2 and 3-2 as well, riding back-to-back wins over Ole Miss and Mississippi State - the same two teams that handed Missouri its losses this season. The Longhorns are also No. 7 in the first CFP rankings of the year.
A big part of the game will be how Missouri handles Texas quarterback Arch Manning. The Tigers need pressure, because Manning has taken more sacks than any other SEC quarterback.
Under pressure, he’s also thrown seven turnover-worthy passes, according to Pro Football Focus, while still producing an SEC-high nine “Big Time Throws.” That’s the kind of profile that can swing either way in a hurry.
The other key is whether Missouri can force the issue without giving Texas easy outs. Manning has shown a willingness to hold the ball and let routes develop, even if that means absorbing contact.
For Missouri’s secondary, staying glued to receivers may matter just as much as the pass rush. If the coverage holds up, Manning has fewer chances to escape trouble with a big throw.
Turnovers are another major edge for Missouri. The Tigers are averaging a +1.3 turnover margin per game, which ranks tied for sixth nationally.
Texas, by contrast, sits 94th in turnover margin and has been even worse on the road, where its -2.0 mark is the third-worst in the FBS. Manning has the eighth-most fumbles in the country and has thrown seven interceptions, including three while under pressure, per PFF.
“Turnovers are the name of the game,” Drinkwitz said after MU’s win at Arkansas, where his team forced four.
Texas also has some injury uncertainty heading into the game. On Wednesday night, the Longhorns listed three defensive starters as questionable: star defensive end Colin Simmons, nickel Graceson Littleton and corner Kade Phillips.
Two starting wide receivers, Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman, were also on the 50/50 list. Texas ruled out rotational running back Hollywood Smothers and starting left tackle Trevor Goosby.
The CFP rankings only sharpen the stakes. Missouri came in at No. 18 in the first rankings of the 2026 season, while Texas landed at No.
- Both teams have identical records, but Missouri’s path is tighter.
The Tigers still have CFP-ranked games ahead against No. 7 Texas, No.
2 Georgia and No. 6 Kentucky.
A 9-3 SEC team could still have a shot, but Missouri likely needs a win here to stay in that conversation before heading to Georgia.
Texas, meanwhile, has a little more breathing room. Its ranking reflects wins over Ohio State, Tennessee and Ole Miss, and it could potentially absorb a loss in Columbia if it finishes strong against LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M.
The game may come down to Missouri’s ground attack. Texas has talent up front on defense, even if Simmons can’t play, and Missouri can’t afford another night like the one it had against Ole Miss on the ground. If Jamal Roberts and Ahmad Hardy can help the Tigers control the clock and create space for Austin Simmons through the air, Missouri has a real shot to make this one count at Memorial Stadium.
Score prediction: Missouri 24, Texas 20
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