​OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI – OCTOBER 17: Eli Drinkwitz of the Missouri Tigers looks on during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images Boasting a 6-2 record and Top 25 ranking, the No. 19 Missouri Tigers host the No. 7 Texas Longhorns this Saturday in a matchup with huge implications for both teams. With identical records overall and in conference play, this matchup will be a reality check for postseason expectations for both squads. Win, and the path to the playoffs remain wide open. Lose, and the rest of the season could be tough to overcome. Missouri began the season with a 3-0 record that included a win over rival Kansas, but then fell at the hands of Mississippi State 31-24 in a close battle on the road. The Tigers bounced back with a 45-17 thrashing of Florida and a 27-6 win over Texas A&M. With a 5-1 record, Missouri was starting to get national attention.However, Ole Miss pumped the brakes on that narrative in a 31-3 victory. The Tigers failed to score on any drive after the opening series and elite running back Jamal Roberts was held to less than two yards per carry on 20 touches.The Rebel defense also forced quarterback Austin Simmons to throw 44 passes, a formula that Muschamp will likely seek to repeat. The Tigers bounced back last week with a 34-10 win over Arkansas while forcing four turnovers. Missouri brings a stingy defense and talented offense to the table. The Tigers rank fifth in the SEC in scoring defense, one spot behind the Longhorns, while their rushing and passing attacks both slot at sixth or better.Texas has the defensive personnel to make Missouri struggle, but limiting quarterback Austin Simmons and running back Jamal Roberts will not be easy. The Tigers also boast the most productive wide receivers in the conference in Cayden Lee. The Longhorn defense has to plug the run game, something that the Tigers rely on heavily. On the other side of the ball, Texas will need to win through the air. Missouri gives up less than 100 yards per game on the ground, a stellar number, but can be susceptible through the air. They’ve been able to create turnovers, so winning that battle will also be crucial. No matter how you spin it, this matchup will require a strong showing from Texas. Missouri took a step back last season but appears poised to return to the success they found under head coach Eli Drinkwitz in 2023 and 2024. Now in his seventh season, Drinkwitz has Missouri on the doorstep of competing with the traditional powers in the SEC. His offensive background has flourished in recent years, including this one, and the team has shown to be a resilient bunch with impressive wins after both losses. Here’s how the Tigers stack up position by position.OffenseThe Tiger offense has been remarkably efficient this season and features one of the best running backs in the country in Jamal Roberts, the engine of the o