Texas A&M Football: 3 players to watch in Southwest Classic vs. Arkansas
![Devon Achane, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Devon Achane, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ceffac946cc76ddf899849e28fe066fefe66d6a1e34f16cc87294f9701d2dffd.jpg)
Player No. 1: Texas A&M Football RB Devon Achane
Notice how I didn’t say Isaiah Spiller, who is generally thought of as the number one option in the backfield.
Arkansas doesn’t hoist a particularly strong rushing defense, allowing 121 yards per game. Unfortunately for Texas A&M, it hasn’t taken much to stop their rushing attack. They average a disappointing 184 yards per game with just three touchdowns on the ground.
Whether it’s a schematic thing with Haynes King out or simply the predictability of running the ball while your backup quarterback is under center, there’s a simple truth — A&M’s run game has been wildly disappointing in 2021.
If they struggled against Colorado, they’ll struggle against Arkansas.
The saving grace here is the fact that sometimes you can’t stop explosiveness. I think Texas A&M might struggle to run the ball on a consistent basis, but they have a not-very-secret secret-weapon in Devon Achane, who may be the fastest player in college football. Achane already has an explosive 63-yard rush on his resume this season.
Next. 3 reasons why Texas A&M will beat Arkansas. dark
He may not be a workhorse like Spiller, but Achane keeps defenses on their feet. One poor move and he’s taking it to the house. I think we’ll get at least one or two Achane breakaway runs in this year’s Southwest Classic.