Texas A&M vs Arkansas Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines
By Pete Fiutak,
24 days ago
It might not be the type of flying passing game fun you might like, but if you love ground attacks, this should be a blast.
It’s always an energized, spirited battle in Jerry World - even if the final scores haven’t always been tight - between Arkansas and Texas A&M, and this time around it should be an even bigger deal.
The Hogs have been terrific considering the low preseason expectations.
They pushed Oklahoma State hard in an overtime loss in Stillwater, forced a ton of Auburn screwups in last week’s 24-14 win, and now they have to deal with their third game in four weeks away from home.
After this, they get five home games in six dates, and the road game is against a Mississippi State team that … let’s just say is going through some issues.
Texas A&M hasn’t been dominant, but it won three straight after a tough opening night loss to Notre Dame. It gets two of its next three dates at home around a road game at … Mississippi State.
Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Amari Daniels (4) In action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium
About that Arkansas being fun thing, that’s where Taylen Green comes in.
The Boise State transfer is 6-6, 230-pounds, and slippery-smooth for a guy who’s that big. His passing hasn’t been consistent - he hasn’t been hitting his passes over the last two weeks - but he’s great when taking off.
How did Texas A&M lose to Notre Dame to start the season? It gave up 198 yards on the ground - the most the Aggies have allowed in the first four games - and close to six yards per carry. Irish QB Riley Leonard didn’t go off, but he ran well enough to keep things moving.
And that’s where Green and the ground game should take over. The Hogs are averaging 240 yards per game, the run defense has been fantastic, and …
Why Texas A&M Will Win
The Texas A&M offensive front has been terrific so far.
What do you do when you have a backup quarterback stepping in for the star? You let your line take over and you run, run, and run some more.
Conner Weigman is supposedly a game time decision, but freshman Marcel Reed has been outstanding so far. Reed is throwing well enough, and he’s taking off for yards in chunks.
The A&M line has allowed a grand total of eight tackles for loss - the fewest in the nation - has been solid in pass protection, and is bashing away for 256 yards per game.
The Aggies weren’t stuffed by the Irish, but they stalled. Since then the ground game is pushing for close to 300 yards per game.
Texas A&M vs Arkansas: Who Will Win
With the way these two run this should take about an hour and a half.
These teams aren’t exactly identical - A&M has a bit more talent, but …
They’re both great on the ground, great at stopping the run, dominate the time of possession battle, and the completion percentages are a tad hit or miss.
Arkansas - at least if Weigman isn’t playing for the Aggies - is a bit better throwing the ball, A&M is a bit better stopping decent passing teams, and …
This is one of those games and matchups that has a way of defying logic and reason, but …
Texas A&M will be +2 in turnover margin, and that will be just enough to get by.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local News
Comments / 0