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SEC newcomers Mizzou and Texas A&M have each played three games in the conference. Which school is performing better? The answer is undeniable: A&M.

The men from College Station are 2-1 (4-1 overall) and have already impressed the country’s best league. SEC play began with a heartbreaking 30-27 loss to a very talented Florida team. The Gators are currently ranked 4th in the country, which provies that A&M can hang with one of the SEC powerhouses. After two non-conference wins, the Aggies welcomed Arkansas and destroyed the Razorbacks 58-10. On Saturday, A&M went on the road and beat Ole Miss 30-27 in Oxford. The victory proved that the Aggies could come from behind in a loud, unfriendly environment.

The play of true freshmen QB Johnny Manziel is carrying the Aggies. He has thrown for 1,285 yards and 11 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Manziel is also fleet on his feet, running 72 times for 495 yards and seven touchdowns. The Aggies appear to be on the right track and should finish in the middle of the West division.

Missouri (3-3, 0-3 SEC), on the other hand, has had a much more difficult time adjusting to its SEC opposition. The Tigers began conference play hosting 14th-ranked Georgia and suffered a 41-20 defeat. The game stayed close for three quarters but Mizzou wilted in the fourth. It got worse against South Carolina, a team that outplayed the Tigers in all aspects of the game. On Saturday, Missouri hosted Vanderbilt. Pundits expected the home side to win its first conference game. Didn’t happen. The offense looked decent to start the game as QB James Franklin led two consecutive field goals drives, but a knee injury knocked him out of the game (and this week’s matchup with No. 1-ranked Alabama). The Tigers lost 19-15.

It doesn’t get easier. Three starting offensive lineman will miss the game against the Crimson Tide. QB Corbin Berkstresser will try to solve a defense that allows only seven points a game. Mizzou will then host Kentucky for homecoming in a very win-able SEC match-up. However, with key injuries continuing to pile up, a 1-7 inaugural season is possible.