Missouri vs. Texas A&M: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Aggies Must Make

After a slow start, this game has gotten real interesting. It seems like the shootout is on. I don't expect much in the way of defense in the second half. But with the way Missouri's offense has been running the ball, we may just have a classic score-for-score matchup.

Texas A&M has one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation. So, this could get out of hand if the Tigers can't put points of their own on the board when they get the ball.

Here are five big adjustments Texas A&M must make at halftime:

1. Get in the Red Zone

Texas A&M leads the Big 12 by scoring on almost 95 percent of their red-zone possessions. That's just a ludicrous number. Basically, if they get within 20 yards of the end zone, points are going up on the board. That's got to be a key for A&M: Don't stall in the middle of the field.

They obviously have the offense and the play-calling to punch it in within 20 yards in any situation. Judging by the numbers, if they are deeper than the red zone, you're looking at a so-so field-goal attempt. It's going to be tough for Mizzou to stop them, but if they do so around mid-field, the Aggies will be giving Missouri a chance.

2. Tackle and Contain the Run Game

Missouri has been running the ball effectively the entire first half with Henry Josey. And if that fails, quarterback James Franklin has some pretty nifty moves, if you recall his TD run in the first quarter. Both touchdowns Missouri scored in the first quarter were due to poor tackling on defense by Texas A&M.

If they can stack the box against this offense and stuff the run, they can force a normally shaky Franklin to win the game with his arm. But next time Josey or Franklin gets out in the open, somebody needs to wrap them up. Anybody, really. Because as long as the defense isn't making plays, the longer the Tigers will hang around.

3. Ground Pound

A&M has the two-headed monster of Christene Michael and Cyrus Gray in the backfield. We know the passing game is working. And the way the Aggies are going to grind out this win is keeping the lead fresh by pounding the ball with those two. Once they build a reasonable lead, they need to give these backs the ball and let them tire out the defense.

Surprisingly, Gray and Michael have combined for under 100 yards on the ground halfway through the second quarter. That's just not going to cut it. Even though the Aggie passing attack is dangerous, you don't want to rely on just that when you have such dangerous playmakers in the backfield. Get them the ball!

4. Blitz Franklin

Missouri QB James Franklin has looked pretty good so far today. He's missed on some passes, but for the most part his numbers are solid. Which is a bit embarrassing for the Aggie D. He's really not a very consistent quarterback and is more of a runner than a thrower.

That's why he needs to be pressured constantly. Every time A&M have sent pressure, Franklin either got nervous in the pocket and made a bad pass or took a sack. If they continue to pressure him in the pocket, they will tire out the offensive line and shut down the confident passing game Missouri has developed in this first half.

5. Keep Airing It Out

Once that ground game has been established as the battering ram that knocks Missouri out, put it away with what A&M does best. Ryan Tannehill is a premiere QB and has a plethora of athletic receivers. When the running game has gotten some yardage and tired out the defense, put the nail in the coffin with the passing game.

If Tannehill can make a big throw and take the wind out of Missouri's sails, this game is over. They have the home crowd at their back, and we all love seeing a home-run pass. I expect a couple deep touchdown passes to put this game away in the second half.