As Missouri, the leader of the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division, heads into a crucial game against Texas A&M this weekend, there are a few things that will be crucial in the matchup. Here they are.

**1. The continued improvement of Mizzou sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk**

Maty Mauk hasn’t been anything special his last two outings against Vanderbilt and Kentucky. However, he was considerably better than he had been in the three games prior to those. During Mauk’s mid-season funk — at South Carolina, vs. Georgia, at Florida — he totaled just 249 yards, did not record a touchdown and threw five interceptions. These last two games, however, have been much better. Although Mauk still hasn’t thrown for over 200 yards in a single game since the week four loss to Indiana, his decision-making has improved and he’s been more involved in the running game. Against a porous Texas A&M defense, Mauk’s numbers should continue to climb.

**2. The return of Mizzou senior wide receiver Darius White**

Part of Mizzou’s struggles in the passing game can be accounted for by injuries. White has missed four games due to injury this season and only briefly appeared in the game against Florida. On the season, he has 17 receptions for 239 yards and three touchdowns. His absence has allowed guys like Nate Brown and Wesley Leftwich to get valuable playing time, but the Tigers will be glad to see White back on the field against the Aggies.

**3. The play of Mizzou safety Cortland Browning**

Due to Braylon Webb’s first half suspension because of a targeting penalty he took against Kentucky, Mizzou will be without its leader in the secondary. Webb currently ranks third in the SEC in interceptions (4) and has the most career starts of any active safety in the league. Monday afternoon, Gary Pinkel announced that junior Browning will replace Webb for the first half. It will be the first career start for Browning. If he can’t keep up with Texas A&M’s speedy receivers, it might not be pretty for Mizzou.

**4. Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen’s play**

Allen, a true freshman, came onto the scene following the suspension of Aggies sophomore sensation Kenny Hill. Although Hill, the SEC’s leading passer, is eligible to return against Mizzou, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin opted to stick with Allen behind center. In the Aggies’ 41-38 upset victory over then No. 3 Auburn, Allen threw for 277 yards and four touchdowns and was named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week. Given Mizzou’s weak and depleted secondary, Allen could be in for another big performance.

**5. The ability of Aggies defensive end Myles Garrett to pressure Mauk**

Shane Ray is not the only dominant defensive end in the SEC. Trailing right behind Ray is Texas A&M freshman Garrett, who ranks second in the conference in sacks (11.0) and third in tackles for loss (12.5). Although the Aggies’ defense is susceptible at times due to poor secondary play, Garrett has been a standout player. If he can get pressure on Mauk early on, Mizzou will have a difficult time keeping up with the Aggies’ explosive offense.