POSTGAME THOUGHTS: Aggies survive scare with 45-42 win over Arkansas

Texas A&M traveled to Arkansas looking to start its season 7-0. The Aggies jumped out to a 21-6 lead early, but Arkansas would rally furiously at the end of the first half, closing the gap to 21-20. While the offense started strong, the defense struggled mightily to contain Taylen Green. Run fits were all over the place, with second-level defenders missing tackles in the hole.

After it looked like Texas A&M had sorted the run defense issues that plagued them in 2024, Arkansas put up 218 yards rushing on just 16 carries in the first half. That was good for an average of 13.6 yards per carry. Things weren’t much better in the passing game as the Aggies gave up 104 yards through the air in the first half.

The good news for the Aggies?

The second half started much better. The Aggies came right out and punched Arkansas in the mouth with a quick touchdown, then forced a three-and-out on defense. That momentum wouldn’t stand, however. While Texas A&M’s offense continued to put up points, Arkansas followed suit. The Hogs would score a touchdown in the fourth quarter and add a two-point conversion to make it 38-35 with 11:30 left on the clock.

Arkansas never truly went away, as they scored with ten seconds remaining in the game to make it 45-42. Texas A&M would recover the ensuing onside kick to secure a narrow win.

Here are some key takeaways from the nail-biting win over Arkansas.

Slow starts. Texas A&M can’t afford to let teams have early success as the season goes on. Arkansas came out and moved the ball down the field in a hurry, leading to three points on their first drive. That drive likely gave Arkansas hope for the rest of the game.

Complimentary football. The defense struggled mightily. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about that. However, with the defense struggling, the offense stepped up. Great teams find a way to win. The defense has been the story in SEC play. This time, the offense reminded folks they can come up big when needed.

Put teams away early. We’ve talked about penalties. We’ve talked about rushing defense. We’ve talked about several problems that have haunted Texas A&M this season. The biggest complaint I have? Texas A&M has had opportunities to put teams away early and just haven’t done it. We haven’t seen the Aggies truly put a game to bed in the first half yet, and this is what happens when you let teams hang around.

Dual-threat QB problem. This is the first true dual-threat quarterback Texas A&M has faced this year. They did not pass the test. Something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Second half adjustments. Part of it is game flow and sacks, but Texas A&M held Arkansas to just 50 yards rushing in the second half. If there was one encouraging piece of the defensive performance from Texas A&M, that would be it.

Texas A&M didn’t look great in this win, but on a weekend when multiple undefeated ranked teams lost, the Aggies moved forward. At 7-0, Mike Elko’s squad is the final remaining undefeated team in the SEC. Texas A&M controls its own destiny. Onward and upward.

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