Texas prioritizes stopping Missouri’s ground attack

Texas faces a pivotal road game against Missouri, whose offense has been efficient and whose rushing attack is a key part of its success. Ole Miss showed a potential defensive blueprint by loading the box, blitzing against the run and controlling the interior, holding Missouri to 1.5 yards per carry and putting quarterback Austin Simmons under greater pressure. Texas will also need to get its own running game going: former Longhorn Rod Babers argued that balance could help Arch Manning and be crucial against Missouri’s physical defense. The matchup is likely to hinge on which team can better establish the run and control the line of scrimmage.