This game will be played at Cowboys Stadium again, and honestly there really is not a lot separating these two teams. The game of the year line had this game as a pickem, but we are getting 6.5 points due to the success of Texas A&M over two good teams in UCLA & Auburn. However, I am more impressed with Arkansas win over TCU on the road.
This game went to OT the last two years, and I expect it to be another close game. Texas A&Mâs strength of rushing the passer wonât show up as much in this game as Arkansas loves to pound the rock, but the play of Austin Allen has been exceptional so far this year. He faced a good TCU defense on the road and had 3 TDâs 0 INTâs. Heâs got a very experienced WR group in seniors Keon Hatcher and Drew Morgan and throw in TE Jeremy Sprinkle and you can see why this team is having success in the red zone that Texas A&M is not.
A&M has struggled on third downs, and in the red zone converting drives into TDâs. Arkansas defense is very under rated. They held TCU to 7 points after 3 quarters on the road. Trevor Knight has been a nice story for A&M at QB, but heâs only completing 52.9% of his passes converting 30% on third down and less than 50% TDâs in the red zone. Knight has not shown a threat to stretch the field and he goes up against a very good pass defense in Arkansas who have already been tested by TCU.
Arkansas has proven they can run the ball in this series covering more than 200 yards in both OT loses. I expect the same thing, and I like Arkansas defense better this year, I like their receivers better and they have an experienced offensive line although they are shuffling some things around. This is a clear game that Arkansas circled before the season and a critical SEC West showdown. I think Bielema is a little bit of a better coach and heâs an impressive 10-1-1 ATS as a dog with Arkansas with 6 outright upsets. A&M struggled to stop Auburnâs running game which is a red flag for me considering Arkansas has the threat of the passing game.
