Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) takes a detour to AT&T Stadium as they face Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC) in the Southwest Classic. Given the number of storylines heading into this game, it’s not an overstatement to say the Aggies enter a must-win matchup.
The Razorbacks have historically played the Aggies tough in their annual rivalry game. Six of the last 10 matchups have been decided by single-digits, including last year’s 23-21 thrilling win by the Maroon and White. No one can predict the future, but there are so many factors that should result in another thrilling contest on Saturday.
Bobby Petrino will be calling the plays against none other than his former program, whom he coached from 2008 to 2011. Of course, A&M heads into this matchup as the official start of the “Max Johnson era.” The senior southpaw takes the helm of the offense after Conner Weigman was ruled out for the season with a foot injury.
It’s a bit of a cliche, but the truth is that this game will tell us a lot about both of these programs and A&M in particular. A win would inject further confidence that this roster possesses enough depth to endure the gauntlet of the SEC. A loss would, once more, beg the question of the trajectory of this season, and perhaps this football program.
Here are the storylines to keep an eye on as Texas A&M faces Arkansas in the next chapter of the Southwest Classic.