In preparation for this Saturday's game against Mizzou in Columbia, MO, we sat down for a Q&A with fellow SB Nation blogger, RockMNation. Be sure to check out my answers to his questions here.

Brad: It's November and Mizzou is still ranked and still scary as hell. Is that really Gary Pinkel on the sidelines? What has been the difference in the Tigers' ability to maintain their momentum through conference play this season?

RockMNation: Yes indeed that is The Visored One still stalking the sidelines for Mizzou and somehow there remains a number in front of Mizzou's name each week (and it's a single digit, too...). But to be fair, Pinkel and his staff, especially OC Dave Christensen (among the rumored names for SMU's vacancy) and DC Matt Eberflus, have done an outstanding job finding ways to cater to the talent on this team rather than forcing the talent to adjust to the system. They're getting playmakers involved and putting each player in the best possible position to make an impact. The confidence and swagger of this team has allowed them to avoid the meltdown (so far), and the improvement of the defense has reinvigorated and legitimized this program.

Brad: Many sports analysts and writers, including myself, wrote off Missouri as a Big XII title contender due to the perceived problems at defense. Wow, were we wrong. What units within the defense have made the biggest difference this season?

RockMNation: Well, first and foremost, Missouri's most dynamic playmaker on D and the catalyst for the entire unit was safety Pig Brown, who is now out for the season with a ruptured Achilles. He set the tone for the secondary by punishing receivers and forcing a lot of drops as a result. He was always outstanding in pursuit and has a nose for turnovers. The entire defense fed off of his energy, so much so that Pinkel waived a rule last week about injured players not being allowed to travel to allow him to accompany the team to Colorado (in what's being called "The Pig Rule"). A lot of credit has to go to Eberflus, who used the bye week to step back and make adjustments and the unit has been great ever since. A lot of credit goes to the improvement of DEs Tommy Chavis and Stryker Sulak, whose improvement "just happened" to coincide with the unit's ascension.

Brad: Going from Coppell to Columbia, has it been difficult to truly root for the booger eating, skullcap wearing, QB phenom from Southlake?

RockMNation: I, as much as any of my Coppell brethren, hated seeing the green No. 4 throw post route after post route against Coppell's overmatched corners. I cursed at the TV when Daniel got his first title by beating Smithson Valley on a last second field goal. I weighed the purpose of the universe when I looked online between his junior and senior year and saw the Dallas Morning News headline "Daniel says he will go to Missouri." But unlike his predecessor Chase Wasson (complete tool who just threw lobs to Scott Chandler) and his successor Greg McElroy (defense won him a title), I always respected Daniel's ability even if I hated who he played for. And while I'll always hate what happened to my Coppell Cowboys, what he does in a black and gold No. 10 is completely different to me than anything he did in a green No. 4. I guess, like a booger, pride can be hard to swallow. But it goes down easy when there's a potential Big 12 North title and Heisman talk to wash it down.

Brad: With Saturday being Senior Day at Faurot, talk about some of the seniors that have had the biggest impact this season and during their career at Mizzou.

RockMNation: Again, I refer back to Pig Brown, who I expect to get a thunderous ovation as he comes onto the field on his crutches. He almost singlehandedly changed the attitude of this unit and this program. The next loudest ovation will easily be for TE Martin Rucker, who has been a manchild (pardon my usage) this year after being slighted by NFL scouts last year. Rucker is essentially Mizzou's Martellus Bennett, especially in the way he loves playing the game and he ALWAYS (literally, EVERY single game) makes it a point to come see and personally thank the fans. After that, expect hearty ovations for DT Lorenzo Williams and WR Will Franklin.

Brad: A&M trails the conference in passing yards per game, that coupled with an inability to establish the run, and against Mizzou's top 25 rush defense will spell a very fun Senior Day for the Mizzou tigers. In your opinion is the -19 spread too generous to A&M?

RockMNation: That all depends on the phrase "inability to establish the run." Outside of atrocious playcalling, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why the A&M running game isn't working. If McGee, J-Train, and Goodson can work the triple option and zone read to milk the clock, I can see it at least being competitive early. But if the Aggies are forced to go three-and-out a couple of times early, the rout will be on. Having watched and heard my friends and family's moaning about the Aggie bend-but-don't-break defense, Daniel and Co., given proper time to throw, should methodically pick apart the Aggies 7-8 yards at a time. I can't see McGee having a big day in the air (has he done that since leaving Burnet?), but if they protect the ball early, this one could be closer than fans expect. But as soon as Missouri gets a lead and the Aggies are forced to throw, I think you can call it a W for the home team.

Brad: Your prediction and the score?

RockMNation: MU 38, TAMU 17 - First half is tight, but Mizzou runs away in a track meet second half.