Texas A&M Breakdown vs Arkansas

Texas A&M vs Arkansas Breakdown -

After 12 years of the Southwest Classic being held at Jerry World, it was time for one final game in Arlington. 12 years filled with absolute classics, overtime thrillers, and tremendous mood swings. Going into this game, you had to believe this wouldn’t be any different. And it wasn’t. Let’s break it down.

My Thoughts Going Into the Game -

I had my mind made by Tuesday that Marcel was most likely going to be the guy leading the charge on Saturday, and with that in mind, I started to wonder how this game could play out. We saw in a two-game sample size what Marcel can give you. His running ability paired up with our backs create huge challenges for a defense, but his throwing accuracy hinders him, causing him and the offense as a whole to be quite limited when we aren't able to run at will. I knew Arkansas had done well against the run to this point so Marcel was going to have to step up throwing the ball if we were going to have a chance. On the defensive side of the ball, my main concern was limiting the big play. Our defense overall has been very solid, but we have seen in 3 games now that they have a weakness in giving up 2-3 huge plays that change the way you look at a game. Ultimately, my main concerns leading up to the game were the passing attack with Marcel when the run wasn't there, and the defense limiting big plays.

Offensive Review -

Throughout the first half of the game, my fears going into it were slightly coming to fruition. Arkansas was handling the run well for 3 quarters. This set up many 2nd/3rd and longs and Marcel was inaccurate with his throws and decision making. He didn’t have his best game whatsoever, but he didn’t have his worst. With Arkansas stacking the box for 99% of the game, even with just a single high safety, they were practically begging us to try and throw. Hence why on Noah’s 60 yard touchdown he only had to beat the corner and he was gone. After rewatching the game, it is clear that Marcel is very one read and go. Too many plays did we have guys wide open for big gains. But Marcel just didn’t see them. Though the throws he did make were huge, especially late in the game. As Arkansas took the lead in the 4th, pain started to creep in. We hadn’t completed drives for points in 2 quarters and were in desperate need for a spark. That spark came at the hands of Le’Veon Moss. After not getting much of anything on the ground for 3 quarters, Moss took over when we needed it most. Amassing 90 yards on 6 carries, completely putting the team on his back. After Moss marched us down to the redzone, Collin Klein dialed up one of my favorite calls of the game. After an entire game of motioning our TE to come down and block for the run, we motioned him again but instead it was a play action. A beautiful bait that led to Watson going into the endzone untouched for what was ultimately the game winner.

My Main Takeaway -

I have many mixed feelings leaving that game offensively. Like I expected, Arkansas came out solid against the run. So it was up to Marcel to capitalize with his arm. Besides one 60-yard Touchdown early in the game, he was a bit all over the place. But like the Bowling Green game a week before, he showed up when it mattered. 2 games in a row that could’ve easily got away from you, but the young QB showed tremendous poise with his ability to slow the game down and finish. You have to love seeing that from the young and still developing QB. And Moss is the absolute monster we always knew he could be, an absolute workhorse who needs 20+ carries a game. And lets not forget to give credit to the o-line. What a freakish turnaround from what was a disastrous group just one year ago. Adam Cushing deserves every award you could possibly give him and we are only 5 games in. Though I was frustrated for 3 quarters, the offense’s ability to put them away in the 4th quarter is what I choose to take away the most from the game. 

Defensive Review - 

What a start in the house that Romo built. I mean what an absolute disastrous way to start off a game. All year the talks around our defense has been our habit of giving up the big play. After 2 tackles for loss to start the game, 3 members of the Dline had an opportunity for a sack. Instead, all guys miss and it lead to a completely busted route (well thrown ball btw) for a 70+ yard TD. An absolute gut punch, I knew then that I was in for a very long Saturday afternoon that was going to be full of ups and downs. A few drives later, it seems as if the defense is beginning to figure things out with I believe their 2nd three and out in a row, but nope. Arkansas dials up a rugby style fake punt for 25+ yards. A complete coaching or personnel error that led to the second touchdown of the 1st quarter. Like I stated in the lead up, you are looking at 2 singular plays that completely change a game. It was after that 2nd touchdown when the defense finally started to lock in. Pinned up in the Aggie redzone, the razorbacks decide to run a RPO. The only problem with that was they left Shemar Stewart unblocked ! What an interesting strategy from Mr. Bobby, we thank him as the Aggies recover the fumble setting them up at their own 15. From that point on, defensively, it was ours. The Dline finally decided to absolutely take over a game in which we have been pleading to see. Along with that, our corners played undoubtedly their best game yet. Pass break up after pass break up, interception, not near as many missed tackles, and assignments being blanketed. I couldn’t be happier to see an Aggie defense take over a game the way they did. Let’s keep improving, staying healthy, and limiting the big plays please !!

Looking ahead -

Ever since we lost the heartbreaker week 1 to the Irish, we have had this game circled. You handle your business and assume they handle theirs, you are looking at a 4-1 Aggies going up against the 4-0 Tigers of Missouri. And that’s exactly what we have in store this week. We will find out a lot this week regarding these 2 teams. Can A&M start 3-0 in the SEC for the first time since 2016? Is Mizzou actually overrated like many assume? Or are they as advertised. Lots to be answered, including who starts at QB for the Aggies. You would assume Conner is healthy enough to go after sitting out 3 weeks, but something is up. But after a 3-0 start for Reed, I won’t be upset seeing him trot out for the first series. The only thing good about 11:00 am games is I don’t have to sit around being anxious all day. Other than that what a disappointment this is for not being a prime time match. See yall next week, hopefully in a jolly mood :$

-AA / GC