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Game Summary
The scoring got started early and was steady throughout the game. Big plays were a factor all afternoon in Arlington. After the score was tied following the 1st quarter, Arkansas found themselves ahead by four at half.
An even third led to an explosive 4th quarter, that gave us six second-half lead changes and a tie that forced OT. A 10-yard strike from freshman Kellen Mond to junior Christian Kirk, after a questionable penalty, extended the drive. Senior DB Armani Watts picked off Austin Allen to end the game for the Aggies, giving them a 50-43 victory.
Keys to Victory
In a game where defense wasn’t a stronghold, the explosive plays from this Aggies offense forged the path to victory. Answering back from a rough start and having a touchdown called back on a bad whistle, the Ags just kept striking. The turning point in the game was the ability of Mond to find his targets deep and stretch out the Hogs defense, allowing for running lanes and scrambles underneath to become a big part of the game plan.
What’s Next
Arkansas: Another heartbreaking loss for the Razorbacks pushes them to 1-2 and 0-1 in SEC play. The heat will be turned up on coach Bret Bielema, but his $15 million buyout should save him for the short term. Next week, they go home to face New Mexico State. I think they have some really good things to look forward to.
The offense was able to find a groove today and Austin Allen made some great throws when he needed to. This should give that O-Line some confidence that they can repeat their efforts and lead this team to another big week.
On the defensive side, it wasn't all pretty. They forced some turnovers and early in the game dominated the fronts, causing all kinds of trouble. Take away some big plays, and this D would have a great game.
Clean that up over the weeks, and they can be dangerous in the future.
Texas A&M: A great win in a season that has been so up in down for a team with only one loss. The Aggies, now at 3-1, have answered back to the UCLA loss and the talk about Sumlin’s job status well.
The defense is still a question, as it pertains to how good they are. They are up and down a lot, but they step up in big situations and force turnovers. The offense came alive in the 4th, thanks to a kickoff return for a touchdown and several big runs.
This Aggies team has a lot of speed and talent, they force turnovers, and don’t get a lot of penalties. That formula, plus the embarrassing loss to open the season has focused these guys and made them a very dangerous threat. Next week, they go home and welcome the South Carolina Gamecocks.