Texas A&M Football vs. Arkansas: Highlights, recap, reaction, and what’s next for the Aggies

A reaction to Texas A&M’s big-time win over Arkansas

Offense

I have a lot of thoughts for this offense. For one, the offensive line looked better. They had more push in the run game, which showed by way of 192 rushing yards by the team last night. Three sacks were allowed, and the pass blocking was questionable, but overall a better day for the o-line.

Devon Achane is a man amongst boys. He had a very Achane-like game, finishing with 159 rushing yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, while also recording 15 receiving yards on three passes. He was as explosive as can be, logging four rushes over 10+ yards.

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The pass game was okay, and it should have been better against the league’s worst pass defense. Donovan Green and Evan Stewart both had big days in their own ways. Green had his first big game in college, recording a three-catch, 50-yard performance, which led the team in both. While Stewart had just three catches for 36 yards, he did secure his first career touchdown.

Max Johnson had a Max Johnson day. He was 11-for-21 on passes with 151 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t turn the ball over, which was huge in this game. He was not pin-point accurate, but he game-managed, handed the ball to Achane, and made some plays with his legs, which was enough.

Defense

The defense managed to hold a good SEC offense to 21 points, while also scoring six points of their own, so in a way, they kind of won this game for the Aggies. Aside from the huge scoop-and-score, the team did a fine job containing the passing game for the Razorbacks. The run game, however, wasn’t slowed down at all.

The Hogs ran for 244 yards against the A&M defense. That’s not a good number, however, the YPA rate wasn’t as high as expect, allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Most of the yards came from quarterback K.J Jefferson, who finished with 105 yards and a touchdown, but holding Raheim Sanders to under 70 yards is a win.

https://twitter.com/AggieFootball/status/1574035492601057282

Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Chris Russell Jr. deserve major props for their performances. Cooper finished with five tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass defensed, and three pressures, while Russell logged 10 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a pass deflection, and seven run stops. Both players graded out as the two best defenders on the team according to PFF.

The pass rush was solid as well, with Russell, Shemar Stewart, and Fadil Diggs all recording sacks. Overall, the defense did a great job not allowing this game to get out of hand. They had a huge impact in this game, solidifying the fact that the Aggies have a top defensive unit in the nation.

Player of the game: Devon Achane – 19 carries, 159 rushing yards, one rushing TD, three catches, 15 receiving yards

What’s next for Texas A&M Football

Week 5 at Mississippi State

Week 6 at #2 Alabama

Week 8 at South Carolina

Week 9 vs. Ole Miss