Texas heads to Columbia on Saturday for an 11 a.m. CT meeting with Missouri, and the challenge waiting for the No. 10 Longhorns is clear: stop an offense that can beat you on the ground, through the air, or with one big play after another.
The No. 19 Tigers come in at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in SEC play, the same record Texas carries into the matchup. That puts plenty on the line in what could be a pivotal game in the postseason race.
Missouri’s attack is built around balance, and Texas has to account for five offensive players who can change the game.
Jamal Roberts is the first problem. The Missouri running back has piled up 1,005 rushing yards through eight games, putting him among the nation’s top rushers.
He came out of last Saturday’s 34-10 win over Arkansas with 138 yards on 23 carries and added three catches for 20 yards. Roberts also scored twice, including a 10-yard touchdown reception.
His knack for breaking tackles and picking up yards after contact makes him the most immediate threat.
Then there’s Austin Simmons, the former Ole Miss quarterback who has given Missouri steady play all season. Simmons has thrown for 1,935 yards with 16 touchdown passes and only two interceptions.
Against Arkansas, he was efficient again, completing 20 of 31 passes for 179 yards and two scores without a pick. He may not be the most dangerous runner Texas has seen at quarterback, but his judgment has helped keep Missouri’s offense on schedule when the run game is rolling.
Cayden Lee has emerged as Simmons’ top target and Missouri’s leading receiver. The former Ole Miss standout has 730 receiving yards in eight games, and he caught six passes for 78 yards against Arkansas. Lee’s route-running and ability to create after the catch make him a real issue in the intermediate game, especially if Texas lets him keep moving the chains on third down.
Donovan Olugbode adds another layer to the passing game. He has 593 receiving yards and a growing reputation as a scorer.
Against Arkansas, he hauled in five passes for 50 yards and a 15-yard touchdown that helped Missouri take control in the third quarter. With Lee drawing attention, Olugbode could see chances in single coverage.
And then there’s Ahmad Hardy, maybe Missouri’s biggest wild card. The All-American running back returned against Arkansas after missing the Tigers’ first seven games.
Hardy rushed for 1,648 yards in 2025 before an offseason shooting interrupted his preparation for this season. His role was limited in his return, but his presence gives Missouri another runner who can break a game open alongside Roberts.
Texas can’t just treat him like a side note.
That’s what makes this offense such a tough puzzle. Texas is giving up about 98 rushing yards per game, so the Longhorns have the kind of front that can make life miserable for a ground attack. But Missouri’s balance forces a choice: crowd the box to slow Roberts and risk favorable matchups for Lee and Olugbode, or stay lighter in coverage and leave running lanes open.
Texas’ best path is to force Missouri into a one-dimensional script, get Simmons into obvious passing downs and keep the Tigers from hitting explosive plays. If the Longhorns can do that, they’ll have a real shot at quieting one of the SEC’s more dangerous offenses.
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