The Aggies Win the Southwest Classic in a Close Battle
The 24th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies took their first lead on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Marcel Reed to Tre Watson with 9 minutes remaining and held on for a 21-17 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in front of an announced crowd of 60,928 at AT&T Stadium. The Razorbacks had a chance to regain the lead early in the third quarter but called a fake field goal after Kyle Ramsey lined up for a 50-yard attempt. Bale, the holder, looked to pass but was unable to get the ball away.
Key Plays and Moments
The game was tied 14-14 at halftime after the teams traded a pair of touchdowns in the first half. Arkansas struck first with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Green to Isaac TeSlaa on the third play from scrimmage. Green scrambled to his left to buy time and his TeSlaa in stride near the sideline. TeSlaa outran the defense 40 yards after the catch for his first touchdown this year. Texas A&M responded with its own long touchdown pass on its second possession. Marcel Reed hit Noah Thomas with a 58-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.
Following a 25-yard run by punter Devin Bale on fourth down, Jackson ran for an 8-yard touchdown to put the Razorbacks ahead 14-7 with 4:50 to play in the first quarter. The Aggies tied the game again with 8:58 to play before the half when Reed scored on a 5-yard quarterback keeper. That score came two plays after Scooby Williams recovered a Green fumble at the Arkansas 10. Shemar Stewart burst into the backfield to blow up a handoff exchange between Green and Jackson.
Turning Points
Facing first-and-10 from his own 34, Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green was strip-sacked by Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton with 1:30 remaining and the Aggies recovered. Scourton beat left tackle Fernando Carmona off the edge and hit Green from behind. The Aggies ran out the clock with two strong runs from Le'Veon Moss, who rushed 13 times for 117 yards.
Green committed three turnovers. He also lost a fumble that led to a Texas A&M score in the middle of the second quarter and was intercepted just before halftime. The Aggies did not commit a turnover. Like the week before at Auburn, the Arkansas quarterback was constantly on the move and had little time to throw. He completed 23 of 41 passes for 279 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He was sacked twice.
Offensive Struggles for the Razorbacks
Arkansas had trouble running the ball. Ja'Quinden Jackson was held to a season-low 37 yards and 1 touchdown on 10 attempts, and Green had 10 carries for 25 yards when adjusted for sacks. “We never could get anything consistently going offensively,” said Pittman, who added, “It was not a lot of consistency there. And [we] couldn't protect, again. Kind of same old story this week.”
Defensive Falter For the Razorbacks
Great for most of the game, Arkansas' defense faltered late and could not make enough plays to overcome three turnovers by the Razorbacks' offense. “It was very disappointing to lose tonight, because it certainly felt like we had our chances to win and felt like that the entire game,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said.
Player of the Game: Texas A&M RB Le'Veon Moss
The junior recorded a career-high 117 yards on 13 carries. It was his second career 100-yard rushing performance against the Razorbacks. Moss had the decisive runs in the final 90 seconds that allowed the Aggies to run out the clock. “He got dinged up a little bit early and so we didn't have him a good part of the middle of the game,” Elko said. “He was kind of working through some different things, and we finally got him healthy and ready to roll when it was time. And he was able to go out there and rip off some really big runs.”
What's Next for the Razorbacks?
The Razorbacks are scheduled to host No. 5 Tennessee next Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in Fayetteville. The game will be televised by ABC.
Looking Ahead
Arkansas fell to 6-16 in one-possession games under Pittman, the fifth-year coach. Both of the Razorbacks' losses this year were in such games. Arkansas lost 39-31 in double overtime at Oklahoma State on Sept. 7. The Razorbacks outgained their opponent in both losses. Arkansas had 385 yards to Texas A&M's 297. The Razorbacks' offense remains a bright spot with a top 10 national ranking, but the defense needs to improve to make a run in the SEC West.
Final Thoughts
The Aggies have now won 12 of the last 13 meetings between these two teams, a testament to their continued dominance in the rivalry. The Razorbacks will be looking to rebound next week against a tough Tennessee team. However, Arkansas has shown the ability to play with anyone on their schedule and will be looking to make a statement on the road to Fayetteville.
