Momentum Shifts: Ags prevail in four-quarter dogfight at Jerry World
Heading into Week 5, the Aggies were looking for their second SEC win, this time against Arkansas at Jerry World.
Texas A&M leaned on standout performances from Noah Thomas, Le’Veon Moss and a defensive line that completely took over the game. Marcel Reed's two touchdowns and Moss' timely rushing yards in the fourth quarter sealed the win, while Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart headlined a defensive effort that stifled Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green. The Aggies showcased their grit and playmaking ability when it mattered most. Being able to hold off the Razorbacks while not playing their best football is encouraging, but there’s still work to be done.
Here are my thoughts on this weekend’s game.
The Good
Noah Thomas breaks out: #3 stepped up when the Aggies needed him most, hauling in six receptions for 109 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown. Thomas has the potential to take over games with his size and athleticism. If he finds his rhythm as we navigate SEC play, it could be a game-changer for the Aggies.
Fourth-quarter ground attack: Le'Veon Moss delivered in the clutch, rushing 13 times for 117 yards. His 90 yards in the fourth quarter powered A&M down the field, helping secure the lead late in the game. Moss’ vision, combined with strong offensive line play, allowed the Aggies to close out against a tough Arkansas front.
Marcel Reed’s Touchdowns: Although the young signal-caller had an up-and-down game, he found ways to win. Reed accounted for three touchdowns — rushing for one and throwing for two more, including that 58-yard strike to Thomas. While the passing game wasn’t at its best, Reed’s flashes of brilliance showed his potential to grow into the role.
Defensive line dominance: The A&M defensive line was the game’s defining factor, with Nic Scourton leading the charge. Scourton racked up two sacks, four tackles for loss and a game-sealing strip sack. He and Shemar Stewart, who forced a key fumble, constantly pressured the Razorbacks' quarterback. Together, they’ve formed one of the most formidable duos in the SEC.
Full front seven control: While Scourton and Stewart were the stars, the entire front seven played lights out. Defensive tackle Albert Regis helped collapse the pocket, keeping Green from making big plays with his legs. A&M’s front neutralized Green’s mobility and dictated the tempo throughout, consistently disrupting Arkansas’ offensive flow.
Turnovers played a huge role: The Aggies forced three crucial turnovers, including Scourton’s strip-sack, Stewart’s forced fumble and Dezz Ricks’ timely interception. These takeaways were game-changers, giving the offense short fields to work with and shutting down Arkansas’ momentum. The Aggie defense not only held strong but made sure to capitalize on every opportunity to swing the momentum back in their favor.
The Bad
Passing game inefficiency: The passing game remains a concern for A&M. Reed completed just 11 of his 22 passes. Arkansas dared the Aggies to throw, stacking the box to stop the run, and Reed struggled to capitalize. While his two touchdown passes were timely, the lack of consistency in the passing game limited the offense, especially in the second half. If the Aggies want to keep defenses honest, they’ll need to improve through the air.
First-half run game issues: Our offensive struggles began with an inconsistent passing attack, which made it tough for the run game to gain traction early. Arkansas played with an extra defender in the box, daring A&M to throw. Until we can consistently exploit those one-on-one opportunities, opposing defenses will continue to focus on stopping our ground game.
Opening drive breakdown: The one glaring mistake from the defense came on the opening drive, where Green broke containment and found Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa for a 75-yard touchdown. Opening drive touchdowns are huge for momentum, but thankfully, the defense adjusted quickly and continued to improve as the game went on.
Final Thoughts
The Aggie defense stood strong in this gritty win, with Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart anchoring a relentless front that controlled the trenches. They forced key takeaways and set the tone for an A&M team that thrives when its defense leads the way. While the passing game remains a work in progress, the Aggies’ ability to grind out tough fourth-quarter yards and close games on defense signals promise. This 21-17 win over Arkansas further shows that when A&M plays complementary football, they can compete with anyone.
With Missouri looming this week, the offense must elevate its game now.
It is time for this team to fire on all cylinders, to piece together a full game and show the rest of the country the new era of Texas A&M football.
Gig ‘Em and BTHO Mizzou!
