Texas A&M Football
Week Two: Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
Week Three: Ole Miss vs. Alabama
For three consecutive seasons, it seemed like Texas A&M had no answer for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
My, how times have changed.
As it turns out, all the Aggies had to do in order to defeat their SEC foe was join them as conference brethren. That, along with a revamped offense, Heisman-winning quarterback and just a touch of luck along the way.
Now, coming off three straight wins of their own, the Aggies will be looking to continue the trend against a familiar opponent. However, if the finish to their season a year ago is any indication, this won’t be the same old Razorbacks.
In week four’s top SEC game, we get a contrast of styles, lots of history and one giant spaceship.
Oh, that’s a stadium.
Who: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
When: Sept. 26, TBD
When these two squads met last year (to A&M’s benefit), Arkansas had yet to learn the art of closing. Rest assured, if the Aggies find themselves in a similar position this season, Houdini might have a hard time helping them escape.
Kirby Clarke, TexAgs
The Aggies escaped in the teams' 2014 meeting, but taking another victory in Arlington may require a stronger run defense.
Thankfully — if you root for the Maroon and White — Kevin Sumlin has been busy stuffing tricks up his own sleeves.
After allowing nearly 300 yards on the ground a year ago, the Ags know where game planning must begin. If they can limit Bret Bielema’s backfield prowess, the rest might just take care of itself. There’s an important distinction between limiting and stopping, however. With dual 1,000-yard rushers — the only program with that distinction in college football — the Hogs will get theirs on that end.
Over the years, though, John Chavis has proven adept at forcing teams into relying on their weakness.
In this case, that would mean making Arkansas ask Brandon Allen to carry them to victory.
If A&M makes this one into a competition of Allen's, the Ags will have to like their chances — regardless of whether it is Kyle Allen or Kyler from Allen leading them.
While Arkansas' defense ranked in the top ten in yards allowed last year, the Aggies thrashed them for 386 yards through the air; a repeat performance would go a long way toward securing their first SEC victory of the year. That is obviously easier said than done, but then again, last year’s Aggie offense was at times painfully one-dimensional.
Establishing a run presence is key. Having the ability to change things up, while also making the middle of the field an option, will create open space for A&M gunslingers to capitalize on. If there is a weakness in the Razorback defensive corps, that’s it.
With Trey Flowers and Darius Philon departed from Fayetteville, the door could be ajar for the Ags to open up the playbook. They’ll have more time to let plays develop, pair that with a powerful punch in the backfield and attack with one potent formula.
At the end of the day, both squads have felt each other out and know what they're capable of. One is a master of the air, one the ground. If they stick successfully to their guns, this could turn into a thrilling shootout in JerryWorld.
Yet, if one team is susceptible to relying on their strength too much, it’s Arkansas. Sumlin has more playmakers on his side.
More tricks, too.
The Season Ahead: The SEC's best game in Week Four
SEC Game of the Week series
Week One: Texas A&M vs. Arizona StateWeek Two: Oklahoma vs. Tennessee
Week Three: Ole Miss vs. Alabama
For three consecutive seasons, it seemed like Texas A&M had no answer for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
My, how times have changed.
As it turns out, all the Aggies had to do in order to defeat their SEC foe was join them as conference brethren. That, along with a revamped offense, Heisman-winning quarterback and just a touch of luck along the way.
Now, coming off three straight wins of their own, the Aggies will be looking to continue the trend against a familiar opponent. However, if the finish to their season a year ago is any indication, this won’t be the same old Razorbacks.
In week four’s top SEC game, we get a contrast of styles, lots of history and one giant spaceship.
Oh, that’s a stadium.
SEC Game of the Week: Week Four
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
When: Sept. 26, TBD
When these two squads met last year (to A&M’s benefit), Arkansas had yet to learn the art of closing. Rest assured, if the Aggies find themselves in a similar position this season, Houdini might have a hard time helping them escape.
Kirby Clarke, TexAgs
The Aggies escaped in the teams' 2014 meeting, but taking another victory in Arlington may require a stronger run defense.
After allowing nearly 300 yards on the ground a year ago, the Ags know where game planning must begin. If they can limit Bret Bielema’s backfield prowess, the rest might just take care of itself. There’s an important distinction between limiting and stopping, however. With dual 1,000-yard rushers — the only program with that distinction in college football — the Hogs will get theirs on that end.
Over the years, though, John Chavis has proven adept at forcing teams into relying on their weakness.
In this case, that would mean making Arkansas ask Brandon Allen to carry them to victory.
If A&M makes this one into a competition of Allen's, the Ags will have to like their chances — regardless of whether it is Kyle Allen or Kyler from Allen leading them.
While Arkansas' defense ranked in the top ten in yards allowed last year, the Aggies thrashed them for 386 yards through the air; a repeat performance would go a long way toward securing their first SEC victory of the year. That is obviously easier said than done, but then again, last year’s Aggie offense was at times painfully one-dimensional.
Establishing a run presence is key. Having the ability to change things up, while also making the middle of the field an option, will create open space for A&M gunslingers to capitalize on. If there is a weakness in the Razorback defensive corps, that’s it.
With Trey Flowers and Darius Philon departed from Fayetteville, the door could be ajar for the Ags to open up the playbook. They’ll have more time to let plays develop, pair that with a powerful punch in the backfield and attack with one potent formula.
At the end of the day, both squads have felt each other out and know what they're capable of. One is a master of the air, one the ground. If they stick successfully to their guns, this could turn into a thrilling shootout in JerryWorld.
Yet, if one team is susceptible to relying on their strength too much, it’s Arkansas. Sumlin has more playmakers on his side.
More tricks, too.
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