Missouri Tigers at No. 9 Texas A&M Aggies: Preview, prediction, TV info

Missouri (5-6, 2-5 SEC) at No. 9 Texas A&M (9-2, 5-2 SEC)

Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Spread: Texas A&M by 22

Watchability: The two SEC newcomers get their first crack at each other as members of the SEC. The Aggies have made a much smoother transition to the conference. They'll likely take care of business in this one, but the Tigers need a win to extend their season, so it'll be worth at least keeping an eye on.

Shining stars: Missouri -- DT Sheldon Richardson. He's back after a one-game suspension for a violation of team rules. He's one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the league. Despite missing last week's game, he is still second on the team in total tackles (70). He has a knack for big plays, too, totaling 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Texas A&M -- QB Johnny Manziel. Perhaps you've heard of him? The Heisman front-runner has been running around, through and throwing over SEC defenses all season. He's thrown for more than 3,000 yards and has more than 1,000 on the ground. He's accounted for five or more TDs in five games this season. He's enough of a reason to tune in to any Texas A&M game.

Who could steal the show: Missouri -- WR Dorial Green-Beckham. The freshman is beginning to show why he was the consensus top recruit in the 2012 class. He only had seven receptions in the first five games of the year, but he has 17 catches in the last four games. He's found the end zone three times in the last two games. Texas A&M -- WR Mike Evans. Manziel rightfully gets much of the attention for the Aggies, but the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Evans is having an impressive freshman season as well. The former basketball player has 67 receptions for 923 yards and four TDs. He's coming off a two-TD game against Sam Houston State.

You going? Ranking the road trip: Texas A&M's fans are loving the Aggies' surprisingly good season. Kyle Field should be rocking with Missouri, a former Big 12 foe, coming to town.

Magic number for Missouri: 1. It's pretty simple, the Tigers need to win this one game to make it to a bowl.

Magic number for Texas A&M: 5. The Aggies are ranked fifth nationally in total offense with 543.7 yards per game. They will face a Missouri defense that gives up an average of 367.4 yards per game.

The game comes down to: Missouri's defense has been pretty good this season, but the offense has been inconsistent. QB James Franklin has played better the last few weeks for the Tigers, but he's listed as questionable (shoulder) this week. Manziel will provide a challenge like nothing Missouri has seen yet. If he takes care of the ball, throws for 200 or more and runs for 80 or more, the Aggies will have a great chance of winning.

Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Missouri 21

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.