Texas A&M traveled to Arkansas looking to start its season 7-0. The Aggies jumped out to a 21-6 lead early, but Arkansas would rally furiously at the end of the first half, closing the gap to 21-20. While the offense started strong, the defense struggled mightily to contain Taylen Green. Run fits were all over the place, with second-level defenders missing tackles in the hole.
After it looked like Texas A&M had sorted the run defense issues that plagued them in 2024, Arkansas put up 218 yards rushing on just 16 carries in the first half. That was good for an average of 13.6 yards per carry. Things weren’t much better in the passing game as the Aggies gave up 104 yards through the air in the first half.
The good news for the Aggies?
The second half started much better. The Aggies came right out and punched Arkansas in the mouth with a quick touchdown, then forced a three-and-out on defense. That momentum wouldn’t stand, however. While Texas A&M’s offense continued to put up points, Arkansas followed suit. The Hogs would score a touchdown in the fourth quarter and add a two-point conversion to make it 38-35 with 11:30 left on the clock.
Arkansas never truly went away, as they scored with ten seconds remaining in the game to make it 45-42. Texas A&M would recover the ensuing onside kick to secure a narrow win.
Here are some key takeaways from the nail-biting win over Arkansas.
Texas A&M didn’t look great in this win, but on a weekend when multiple undefeated ranked teams lost, the Aggies moved forward. At 7-0, Mike Elko’s squad is the final remaining undefeated team in the SEC. Texas A&M controls its own destiny. Onward and upward.
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