Missouri Sees Texas Protection Issues as Key to Saturday’s Game

Texas arrives in Columbia after a season of dramatic swings, including a comeback win over Ohio State and losses to Oklahoma and Florida after holding fourth-quarter leads. The Longhorns have steadied themselves with victories over Ole Miss and Mississippi State, but injuries have left their offensive line in flux ahead of Saturday’s 11 a.m. kickoff at Faurot Field.

Left tackle Tevor Goosby is out for the season, and Texas rearranged its tackle positions against Mississippi State. Melvin Siani moved to the left side while Andre Cojoe filled in at right tackle. Quarterback Arch Manning was sacked three times in that game, each on third down. Coach Steve Sarkisian said the protection problems were more pronounced inside.

Missouri’s edge defenders could test that reshuffled group. Daeden Hopkins has recorded seven sacks, while Darris Smith, Langden Kitchen and Sterling Webb are healthy again. Texas has surrendered the SEC’s third-highest sack total this season.

Manning has completed 27 of 55 throws for 488 yards, with three touchdown passes and three interceptions on 90 pressured dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He has thrown seven interceptions this season and lost possession on four fumbles over the past three games. Missouri has forced seven interceptions and seven fumbles.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said his team would tailor its approach to its own scheme and focus on sound fundamentals, execution and effort rather than simply copying another team’s plan. Five Texas starters were listed as questionable on Wednesday’s availability report. The teams meet at 11 a.m. Saturday in Columbia.