Who Is More Ready for the SEC: Texas A&M or Missouri?

The Southeastern Conference released its football schedules for the 2012 season, which will include first-year members Texas A&M and Missouri.

The Aggies are playing in the tougher division in the West while Missouri is in the East. The question facing both teams is whether either team is ready for the rigors of an SEC schedule.

Missouri finished the 2011 season with an 8-5 record and an Independence Bowl win over North Carolina. The Aggies are 6-6 heading into their Texas Bowl contest with Northwestern.

This is a look at which school is more ready for its SEC schedule in 2012.

Texas A&M Offense

The Aggies will return nine of 12 starters on offense in 2012.

They must replace quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Cyrus Gray and wide receiver Jeff Fuller.

Gray was the backup running back for much of the year. Christine Michael was the starter until he was sidelined by an ACL injury. Michael will return in 2012.

Uzoma Nwachukwu will likely step into Fuller's spot. Brandal Jackson, Malcome Kennedy and Nate Askew will also be in the mix.

The Aggies return their entire offensive line and three tight ends with extensive playing experience.

Kevin Sumlin and the coaches will have to figure out who the quarterback is going to be, but the offense is in a good place heading into 2012.

Verdict: SEC Ready

Missouri Offense

The Missouri Tigers return six starters on offense.

They lose TE Michael Egnew, three starters on the offensive line and wide receiver Jerrell Jackson.

They return quarterback James Franklin. Running back Henry Josey suffered a major knee injury and his status is unknown for 2012. Kendial Lawrence will be a senior and will return as the starting running back. T.J. Moe is a big play-maker at wide receiver and will also return for the Tigers.

Missouri has had a strong offensive line since Gary Pinkel took over the program in Columbia.

They play a physical brand of football out of their spread offense. Their running backs will be a little undersized for the SEC so it should be interesting to see how they adjust to the new league.

They return their quarterback, but it remains to be seen how effective Missouri can be running the ball with smaller backs against SEC defenses.

Verdict: Not SEC Ready

Texas A&M Defense

The Aggies lose five starters on defense from the 2011 team.

That number could balloon to six if Jonathan Mathis' request for a medical redshirt is denied.

The Aggies return Spencer Nealy and possibly Jonathan Mathis on the defensive line. They return all four starting linebackers. The Aggies lose three starters in the secondary.

Spencer Nealy is a high motor guy, but he may be overwhelmed by the OL in the SEC. The outside linebackers are SEC ready but there are still some questions about how the inside guys will hold up against the run.

Steven Terrell and Howard Matthews both started games at free safety in 2011 and both return in 2012. Dustin Harris, Otis Jacobs and Floyd Raven will fight it out for the two starting cornerback spots.

The Aggies have the makings of a solid defense but have too many unknowns in the front seven to consider them solid.

Verdict: Not SEC Ready

Missouri Defense

Missouri returns seven starters from a solid defense.

The Tigers must replace three of their four starters on the defensive line. Senior defensive end Jacques Smith graduates after leading the Tigers in sacks with five.

The Tigers return two linebackers and three of four starters in their secondary.

Missouri's defense was solid in 2011 but at times struggled to stop the run and the pass. The SEC East is not as run heavy as the West so that bodes well for Missouri.

The question is whether their defense can hold up to the weekly pounding that you take in the SEC.

Verdict: Not SEC Ready

Texas A&M Special Teams

The Aggies will graduate Lou Groza Award winner Randy Bullock. He will be replaced by Taylor Bertolet.

Drew Kaser should be fully recovered from a groin injury that plagued him in 2011 and should take over at punter.

Dustin Harris will be back to return punts and kickoffs.

Verdict: SEC Ready

Missouri Special Teams

Missouri returns everyone of note on special teams.

Trey Barrow returns as the punter and placekicker. T.J More, Kendial Lawrence and E.J. Gaines are back to return punts and kicks.

Missouri should be very solid on the special teams.

Verdict: SEC Ready

Conclusion

Missouri is obviously entering the weaker division, which helps them. They get Alabama at home and play at A&M from the West. They also return their quarterback, which is big for any offense.

However, will they be able to protect Franklin with a new offensive line? How will they fare in the trenches in a much more physical league than the Big 12?

A&M has a dominant offensive line returning and should be fine no matter who takes the snaps. Their questions are up front on defense.

Right now you would have to say A&M is more prepared for success in the SEC because of the type of offense they run, their returning offensive line and their experience the past three years playing SEC teams.