There are illusions for Texas A&M in its Southeastern Conference football clash with Arkansas.
The Aggies (3-1, 1-0 SEC) are fully aware of what’s at stake. They’re fully aware games with the Razorbacks are typically hard-fought and close. They’re fully aware Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC) is desperate for a victory.
And they’re fully aware that Arkansas might resort to... Well, illusions.
“They had a nice fake the other day against LSU on a fake field goal,” Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said in reference to the Razorbacks’ 34-31 loss last week. “They’re going to do everything. Pull everything out.”
It has often taken everything A&M could do to pull out conference victories against the Hogs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Since A&M joined the SEC, the Aggies and Razorbacks have played eight games at AT&T Stadium. A&M has prevailed in seven, six of which have been by seven points or less. Additionally, three were won in overtime. Last year, the Aggies sweated out a 23-21 victory.
“When you play an opponent consistently over and over and over yearly, I mean, it’s like playing your brother in a weird way,” Fisher said. “You’re going to compete and play hard, and it matters. It doesn’t matter if they’re supposedly ranked high, and you’re not.”
Yeah... Don’t expect any brotherly love to be lost.
“Both teams want to win, so we’re going to give everything we have to win the game,” A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis said. “It’s one of those times fans can sit back and say that was four full quarters of football to the very end.”
The Aggies will gladly take another close victory.
A win would reinforce that A&M is indeed a true contender to win the SEC West division. It would also keep A&M’s hopes alive to eventually reach the College Football Playoff.
Arkansas needs the victory even more. Two conference losses would virtually eliminate the Razorbacks from the divisional race.
Both teams are counting heavily on quarterback play. Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson — a 6-foot-3, 247-pound senior — poses problems as a passer and rusher.
“He reminds me of (former Auburn Heisman Trophy winner) Cam Newton so much,” Fisher said. “He’s a giant. I don’t know what they weigh him at, but he’s big. He’s strong and fast. He’s throwing the ball excellent, making great decisions. He’s hard to get on the ground.”
Some might think the Aggies have even bigger concerns about their own quarterback.
Max Johnson moves into the starting lineup for Conner Weigman, who sustained a season-ending injury last week.
However, Fisher doesn’t seem concerned about playing Johnson, who started in the Aggies’ victory over Arkansas last season.
Last week, Johnson threw two touchdown passes in the 27-10 victory over Auburn.
“You see how he played in the (Auburn) game,” Fisher said. “(He) Came out there and scored on two straight drives. Really, a third drive we were going to score on, too. Led us to a big one at the end. I think we scored three touchdowns on five drives.
“He did a heck of a job. Threw the ball very well. He can distribute. Understands our offense. We’re blessed to have him. Feel very confident in him. We’re going to keep right on pace.”
