Late Surge Pushes No. 24 Texas A&M Past Arkansas

© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

No. 24 Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) outlasted Arkansas 21-17 (3-2, 1-1 SEC) thanks to a fourth-quarter rally in the final Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sept. 28.

It was a defensive battle all day long. But the Aggies put drives together and came up with crucial plays late in the game to secure their fourth win in a row.

Texas A&M-Arkansas Game Summary

Arkansas seemed to control the game early, scoring on the game's third play as quarterback Taylen Green threw a perfect pass that hit wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in stride for a 75-yard touchdown. Texas A&M tied the game with a long touchdown pass from quarterback Marcel Reed to wide receiver Noah Thomas. Arkansas added another touchdown courtesy of running back Ja'Quinden Jackson during a 21-point first quarter.

Points were at a premium after that as both defenses stood up. Texas A&M forced a fumble deep in Arkansas territory, leading to a Reed 5-yard TD run to knot things at 14-14.

Arkansas' special teams took center stage on a couple of plays, setting up a touchdown with a fake punt early in the game. It also seemingly returned momentum to Texas A&M with an ill-advised fake field goal in the third quarter.

However, A&M's offense only mustered 23 yards in the third quarter. It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Aggies regained control of the game, outgaining Arkansas 117-51 as tight end Tre Watson caught the game-winning 5-yard touchdown pass at the end of an 8-play, 75-yard drive.

A&M running back Le'Veon Moss was the driving force for the Aggies in the final stanza, running for 117 yards on the day and icing the game away with crucial runs. It was his second straight 100-yard game against Arkansas.

Green led the Razorback offense with 279 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception.

Turning Point

Trailing 21-17, Arkansas punter Devin Bale came up with a clutch kick that put A&M at its own 1-yard line. Reed stayed composed and completed a pass to wide receiver Jabre Barber, converting the first down.

Arkansas then jumped offside and was later called for a facemask penalty on a 30-yard Moss run.

The Razorback defense still held, giving its offense another shot. However, defensive end Nic Scourton sacked Green and forced a fumble that the Aggies recovered. Moss picked up a first down on the ensuing possession to end it.

What it Means

Texas A&M is now 2-0 in the SEC and has won four games in a row. Reed is 3-0 as the starter but still sits behind Conner Weigman when he is healthy. The running game and defense have carried the Aggies thus far and that should continue throughout the season.

The Aggies face No. 11 Missouri (4-0, 1-0) at noon EST on Oct. 5, then travel to Mississippi State (1-3, 0-1) on Oct. 19. There is a good chance they end that run with a 5-2 record at worst before the schedule gets more difficult. The Texas A&M-Missouri game will be a matchup of teams battling for first place in the SEC, of which there are currently many.

Arkansas drops to 1-1 in conference and loses to its second ranked opponent so far in 2024. The Razorbacks trusted their passing game against No. 24 Texas A&M. While the plays were there, Jackson has been their best weapon this year and did not receive enough touches.

© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Arkansas plays four top-14 teams in the next five weeks.