Missouri quarterback, Blaine Gabbert, who suffered what was called a high hip-pointer, felt a little better on Sunday, according to head coach Gary Pinkel. He is listing his starting quarterback as probable for this Saturday against Texas A & M.

On his Monday Big 12 teleconference call,  Listen to Pinkel’s comments Pinkel said that Gabbert will continue to get treatments during the week. As the Tigers get ready for A & M, Pinkel says the challenge of playing their first game out of the state is dealing with the noise at Kyle Field, which Pinkel called one of the best college football stadiums.

Other key moments from Pinkel’s teleconference. Unless, defensive end Aldon Smith makes a big turnaround this week, he expects Smith to remain out of the game as he recovers from his fractured fibula. Pinkel thinks A & M’s defense is the best third down defense in the league. Missouri was just 6 of 15 against Colorado.

The difference in this week’s game could be (as it is in many games), turnover differential. A & M has had problems coughing the football up and Missouri has been opportunistic this season in coming up with the ball on defense. Pinkel says there is not much more they can do in terms of focusing in on defensive takeaways in practice, but he has been impressed with job his defenders have done in paying attention to small details.

Missouri’s homecoming game against Oklahoma on October 23 will be carried by ABC with either a 2:30 or 7:00 p.m. kickoff. General admission tickets are now on sale at mutigers.com