By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Previewing the Southern Pigskin Game of the Week: Arkansas vs Texas A&M.

Game: Arkansas vs Texas A&M (Arlington)

Overview — The Southwest Classic is a rivalry that dates back to 1903. Longtime conference peers, now in the SEC, Arkansas and Texas A&M enter Saturday both undefeated and ranked in the national top 20. There are conference and national implications at stake. Early in year two of the Sam Pittman era, the Razorbacks have been one of college football’s hottest teams, boasting a resume that includes a 19-point win over current Big 12 foe Texas, another former Southwest Conference program that will soon be in the SEC. While the Aggies have been inconsistent offensively, and lost starting quarterback Haynes King to injury, Texas A&M leads the nation in scoring defense and is fresh off a shutout win over New Mexico. The home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, build by 1964 Arkansas national champion Jerry Jones, will be a fitting stage for this showcase showdown.

Why to Watch — Anticipation is quite high for this nationally-televised throwback clash, with the winner set to emerge as an early contender to Alabama in the SEC West. Mere days after Texas A&M first announced future plans to join the SEC, Arkansas defeated the Aggies in a classic in 2011. Though the first-ever current-conference meeting between the two programs was a Texas A&M rout, four of the last seven games have been decided by one score or less and three of those matchups went into overtime. Expect more of the same this weekend. Receiver Trelon Burks is one of the most dynamic, explosive playmakers in the country for the Razorbacks; he is fresh off 127 yards and a touchdown on just three catches against Georgia Southern. The Aggies have one of the nation’s premier defenses, having allowed just seven total points the last two weeks.

Keys for Arkansas
1. Run the Football — Arkansas has one of the better offenses in the SEC. A consistent ground attack is a big reason why. To date, the Razorbacks have almost a 2-to-1 run-to-pass ratio, with 139 rushes compared to 65 pass attempts. That formula has been a successful one as Arkansas currently averages the same number of points per game as Alabama with 41. Impressively, the Razorbacks rank 8th nationally with 282.3 rushing yards per game. K.J. Jefferson has then been able to stretch the field with big plays as he is one of just eleven quarterbacks in the country averaging at least ten yards per pass attempt. There may be opportunities to control the game on the ground against Texas A&M. The Aggies have the third-worst rush defense in the league, slotting 86th nationally. Quite conversely, Texas A&M leads the nation in pass defense. Look for a big day from Trelon Smith, who topped 100 yards in the opener against Rice, Raheim Sanders and Dominique Johnson, who has a score in every game. With the potential for extended gains, Jefferson could also be effective on designed runs and scrambles. If the running game can set the tone, Arkansas will be able to dictate the tempo of the game and find downfield opportunities as well.

2. Make the Aggies Throw to Win — One of the strengths of the Arkansas defense has been not giving up big plays through the air. Of SEC teams, only Georgia and Texas A&M have allowed fewer passes of ten yards or more than the Razorbacks. The Aggies, with Zach Calzada taking over for the injured Haynes King, simply haven’t had many home run conversions yet; of league teams, only Vanderbilt has fewer pass completions of at least 30 yards. With inexperience under center, Texas A&M wants to run the football. Though there are big-time playmakers on the perimeter, Arkansas has to force the Aggies to beat them through the air. Led by star safety Jalen Catalon, the Razorbacks have played great in the secondary as they rank in the top three in the conference in passing yards and touchdowns allowed, completion percentage, yards per pass attempt and opponent passer rating. Though Arkansas should be confident in matchups in coverage, the challenge will be limiting chances for Texas A&M’s running backs and tight ends, who Calzada will surely look to often. Jalen Wydermyer leads the Aggies in yards, while Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane have combined for 14 catches. The spotlight will be on All-SEC linebackers Grant Morgan and Bumper Pool in coverage.

3. Limit Penalties — Arkansas has lost over 83 yards per game this season on infractions as one of the most-flagged teams in the SEC. The Razorbacks rank a stunning 121st nationally in yardage lost. In a contest against a nationally-ranked foe that may be low scoring with points being at a premium, those mistakes can be extra costly. Arkansas was called for nine penalties alone last week against Georgia Southern. Playing a clean game will be critical against an opponent with a young quarterback on offense and a defense that is allowing the fewest points per game in college football at only 5.7. Don’t give Texas A&M any extra help, especially when they enter as the side with more to prove. As a team, Arkansas has considerable momentum; mistake-free play is a key way to keep it all going.

Keys for Texas A&M
1. Positive Plays on First Down — With an offense that is still developing, it will be imperative for Texas A&M keep the down-and-distance manageable. It goes without saying that the result of first down plays will largely set the Aggies up for success or failure on third downs. The Arkansas defense ranks third in the SEC, allowing third down conversions just 28.3% of the time. Third-and-short situations, for Texas A&M, will keep the entire playbook open. First down balance will be key as it will keep the Aggies unpredictable and multi-faceted. Early down completions for Zach Calzada would likely help the quarterback develop confidence and settle into a rhythm. They might also curb some of the aggressiveness from a defense that will undoubtedly be looking to put the pressure on a young signal caller. Expect tight end Jalen Wydermyer to be a focal for Texas A&M point here. He may find more favorable coverages on traditional running downs and is almost always a matchup problem for a single linebacker or safety. Beyond merely the pursuit of 3rd-and-shorts, moderate gains on first down would almost certainly result in Calzada taking more chances downfield. If the Aggies are going to realize their full offensive potential, home runs plays will be needed. So much of an offensive gameplan relies on success on first down; inexperience at quarterback and the pressure of a big game only magnifies the importance.

2. Slow Down Burks — Arkansas receiver Trelon Burks has multiple receptions in ten consecutive games. He had seven catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns against Texas A&M a year ago. When Burks has more than 100 yards during his career, the Razorbacks are averaging over 33 points per game. If the Aggies can contain Burks and prevent some of the highlight-reel plays, it will force Arkansas to be more workmanlike offensively; it’s not likely that the Razorbacks, or any offense, for that matter, will mount many long, sustained drives against Texas A&M. The Aggies did not allow a single drive of longer than 27 yards last weekend against New Mexico, an offense led by former Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson. Expect veteran safety Leon O’Neal, who already has two interceptions and a pick-six, to be roaming as an extra defender close to Burks often. The favorite target of Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jefferson, Burks has more than twice as many catches as the Razorbacks’ second-leading receiver. If the Aggies can limit what Burks does, Arkansas may become relatively one-dimensional. From there, Texas A&M can focus on stopping what would become a more predictable rushing attack.

3. Focus on Field Position — Hidden yardage that doesn’t always show up right away in the box score goes a long way in games like this. With the better defense on paper and a talented-but-unproven quarterback, it will be important for Texas A&M to both make Arkansas earn all its production and give Zach Calzada shorter fields with which to work. That starts on special teams. Punter Nik Constantinou has been exceptional for the Aggies this season, averaging an SEC-best 47.8 yards per kick. He might prove to be a difference-maker in a low-scoring game. Additionally, Ainias Smith, also a star receiver, is averaging ten yards per punt return and ranks fourth in the country with 139 yards. There is a chance to he could have a Christian Kirk-type moment in this game. Also keep an eye on running back Devon Achane on kick returns. For an offense that has been struggling some, there is a big difference in starting at the 25-yard line compared to starting at the 40.

Players to Watch
Arkansas: Jalen Catalon, S — The SEC’s second-leading tackler, behind his teammate Grant Morgan, Catalon can do it all. Through three games, he has 28 total stops, three pass breakups, two interceptions and a tackle for loss. Expect Catalon to line up at various different spots on the field. His talents make him equally effective in run and pass defense. Catalon may be paired up, directly and indirectly, with Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller a lot, which is a matchup to remember.

Texas A&M: Jalen Wydermyer, TE — At 6’5”, 255 pounds, Wydermyer is a star at tight end. He is tied for 5th nationally in receptions by a tight end and has four catches in every game this season. Wydermyer could prove to be both a security blanket and a downfield playmaker alike for quarterback Zach Calzada. Expect the Aggies to try and get him the football early and often. Arkansas is well-aware of Wydermyer’s potential as he had six receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns against the Razorbacks last season.

Summary
This game will come down to … whichever team can be more consistently productive offensively and convert the three or four big plays which will swing momentum and put points on the board on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction: Arkansas 23, Texas A&M 20