Instant reaction: Texas A&M football’s anemic offense lifted over Arkansas by defense

Texas A&M football snatches victory from the jaws of defeat against Arkansas thanks to huge plays by Scourton, Aggie defense

Well, I guess it wouldn’t be a game between Texas A&M football and Arkansas without some unnecessary drama.

The defensive slog I predicted leading up to this game eventually manifested, but it took it‘s time in getting there. On their first possession, the Razorbacks looked like they were going nowhere fast… until they hit a 75-yard touchdown to Isaac TeSlaa on 1st and 10.

For an Aggie team that was looking to control the game, giving up big explosives like that was an ill omen, especially when the Aggies came out of the gate with a three-and-out. After forcing the Hogs into the same result, though, A&M hit their own huge play down the field.

After that point, though, it was all defense. Arkansas put together a long drive, and A&M scored a touchdown after a fumble recovery—big ups to Shemar Stewart for the eye-popping play there to force the giveaway.

On the day, the Aggies finished +2 over the Razorbacks in turnover margin. They needed every little bit of it, too, as they eventually held on for a four-point win after managing only seven points in the second half.

That seven points came on a drive that looked far out of character for the Ags when it comes to this game in specific, but patently in character when it comes to the Ags so far this season. Behind Le’Veon Moss, A&M ran roughshod over the Razorbacks to punch in a score and take the lead for good.

Hopefully, this game puts to bed any pretense that Reed should be the guy going forward over and against Weigman. Arkansas, like Bowling Green the week before them, took full advantage of Reed’s inability to push the ball downfield.

He completely missed Thomas for a deep touchdown, and refused to pull the trigger on several other players that Klein had schemed open. You can get away with that against Arkansas, but not other teams.

But, a win is a win is a win. You did what you needed to do against this Razorback team—get home and rest up for Missouri. Hopefully, no. 15 will be ready and raring to go next Saturday at noon. If not, it may be a long day for Aggie fans.