The Arkansas Razorbacks thought this was their season. The team built a lot of momentum last season and came in with what they believed would be the league's best offensive line and rushing attack. However, after two ugly losses, the team is simply trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces and move forward. Facing the improving offense of Texas A&M certainly will not help the team's case.
Arkansas fell to Toledo and Texas Tech in the last two weeks which puts a lot of pressure on the team as they prepare for their SEC opener. The biggest issue for the Razorbacks has been their defense. The team gave up 486 yards to spread offense which is what A&M will likely run. The quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 26 of 30 passes against the defense as Texas Tech averaged 8.4 yards per play and had their way with the SEC team. Texas A&M will come with the same attack. Last season the Aggies had 523 yards against Arkansas as Kenny Hill dominated.
Kyle Allen is the man in charge for Texas A&M this season. The Aggies have won all three of their games by at least 17 points while Allen has 594 passing yards and nine touchdowns on the year. Now those wins came against Arizona State, Ball State and Nevada, but right now Arkansas is not looking much like a real threat. Against Nevada last week, Allen had a great game with four touchdowns. Running back Tra Carson added 137 yards on the ground as the defense got two turnovers. That could spell trouble for Arkansas who is struggling to stop much of anything right now.
The biggest area the Razorbacks could take advantage of is the ground game. A&M gave up 240 yards rushing to Ball State. Last season they gave up 285 rushing yards to Arkansas. Alex Collins has been looking strong this season after putting up 170 yards to Texans Tech. He has 351 yards with two touchdowns on the season. Arkansas' defense is going to have to key in on Christian Kirk who is the top receiver for the Aggies. He had 269 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona State.