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Pinkel: Big game looms, but nothing changes in preparation for Texas A&M

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Missouri tight end Eric Waters (81) is wrapped up by Mississippi defensive back Cody Prewitt (25) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, in Oxford, MS. #8 Missouri beat #24 Mississippi 24-10. (AP Photo/ The Daily Mississippian, Austin McAfee) (The Associated Press)

Missouri quarterback James Franklin (1) looks for an open receiver during an NCAA college football game against Mississippi on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, in Oxford, MS. #8 Missouri beat #24 Mississippi 24-10. (AP Photo/ The Daily Mississippian, Austin McAfee) (The Associated Press)

There's one more hurdle to clear for the school nobody saw coming. Beat No. 19 Texas A&M at home on Saturday and No. 5 Missouri, an SEC afterthought back in August, goes to the conference championship game.

Coach Gary Pinkel acknowledged on Monday that it's a big deal.

He'll downplay it as much as possible with players. Except for alterations to the practice routine because of Thanksgiving, it'll be another work week for the Tigers (10-1, 6-1 SEC).