Tag: arkansas razorbacks football

Five takeaways from Texas A&M’s 34-22 win over Arkansas

The Aggies pass rush may be the best in the SEC, while it’s become clear who A&M’s RB1 is. Here are the takeaways from Texas A&M’s win over Arkansas.

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) thwarted Arkansas (2-3, 0-2 SEC) to the tune of 34-22, giving the Maroon and White a win in the Southwest Classic for the 11th time in the last 12 matchups.

In spite of losing starting quarterback Conner Weigman to a season-ending injury, the Aggies flexed their two-deep depth with senior southpaw Max Johnson under center. Lo and behold, Texas A&M’s offense didn’t miss a beat, thanks to a poised performance from Johnson and an efficient outing from their backfield.

Granted, the offense has plenty to be grateful for after a dominant outing from the defense, as well as a game-changing performance from A&M’s special team unit. It may not have been a total “complete game” from the Aggies, but it sure was close to it.

And perhaps most encouraging, is that the Maroon and White are slowly playing their best ball right in the middle of their SEC slate. Head coach Jimbo Fisher echoed just the same in his postgame, noting that he “loves that this team keeps getting better.”

Don’t look now, but based on how the standings are shaking out, the Aggies may have a clear path ahead to contend for the division crown.

Here are five takeaways from Texas A&M’s 34-22 win over Arkansas, which moves the Aggies to 2-0 in SEC play.

After defeating Arkansas 34-22, Texas A&M star WR Evan Stewart has already eclipsed another personal milestone

After recording two receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas, Aggies WR Evan Stewart now has 1,000 career receiving yards.

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3, 0-2 SEC) 34-22 on Saturday afternoon in the annual Southwest Classic, as one of the craziest football rivalries may return to a home-to-home schedule as soon as 2024.

Nevertheless, it was quite the afternoon in Arlington (TX) in the home that Jerry Jones built, as Aggies’ new starting quarterback, Max Johnson, threw for an efficient 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a beautiful touch pass to star wide receiver Evan Stewart in the first quarter to take their first lead that would never be relinquished.

Defensively, Texas A&M might possess the best pass rush in the SEC, recording seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss for a second consecutive week, recording a total of 14 sacks and 30 TFLs since entering SEC play.

Going back to Evan Stewart’s up-and-down day, the sophomore still recorded 50 yards on two receptions; though a mild lower leg injury kept him out for a majority of the game, his key third down conversion with one foot in bounds kept a late drive alive, further showing off his elite skillset. While his absence was felt for most of the second half, senior do-it-all wide receiver Ainias Smith picked up the slack, recording 71 yards through the air before icing the game with his 82-yard punt return with seven minutes remaining.

Still, with 956 receiving yards entering the game, Stewart has now eclipsed the 1,000-yard career receiving mark in less than two full seasons, sitting at 357 yards in four games after missing the UL Monroe matchup due to injury. While it may sound cliche, the sky is truly the limit for Evan Stewart, as he and Max Johnson have already developed a solid chemistry that will only aid the Aggies toward accomplishing their goals in 2023.

Congratulations, Evan!

Texas A&M will host Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT., where it will air on CBS.

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In back to back SEC games, Texas A&M’s surging defense has massacred the competition

Defeating Arkansas 34-22 in the Southwest Classic, Texas A&M’s elite pass rush netted seven sacks and 15 TFLs while eliminating the Razorbacks offense in the second half.

After what we’ve witnessed in the last two weeks from Texas A&M’s (4-1, 2-0 SEC) resurgent defense, specifically A&M’s borderline elite pass rush, it’s almost like their 48-33 loss on the road in Week 2 to Miami never even happened. Since then, the Aggies have only given up two touchdowns since the loss, virtually eliminating every offense they have faced.

On Saturday, just a week after the Aggies’ defensive pass rush recorded seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss in the 27-10 win against Auburn, head coach Jimbo Fisher’s squad headed to Jerry World or Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington (TX), to face the Arkansas Razorbacks in the annual Southwest Classic, one of the hardest outcomes to predict yearly.

After a successful first half, behind the arm of quarterback Max Johnson, a Razorback pick-six immediately after half-time quickly shifted momentum to the opposite sideline as A&M’s once substantial lead dwindled to single digits. However, Texas A&M’s pass rush once again showed up. It consistently produced for four quarters, terrorizing quarterback K.J Jefferson to the tune of seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss, the same statistics recorded last weekend. The Aggie D limited the Razorbacks to 174 yards, including 42 on the ground, with only two rushing yards allowed in the second half.

Defeating Arkansas 34-22, the Aggies have now won in 11 of their last 12 meetings, making it one of the more lopsided rivalries within the SEC.

Led by junior linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, netting six tackles and two sacks (totaling four in two games) and three tackles for loss, sophomore defensive tackle Walter Nolen led the charge in the trenches in by far his best game of the season, recording five tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. Statistically, the Aggies have already surpassed their sack total from 2022 (19), with 20 so far this season, so it’s safe to say the “baptism by fire” season has paid off, as the litter of blue-chip prospects across the defensive line are slowly coming into their own week after week. After the game, Cooper noted  the impact practice has made on the defense’s weekly progress:

“Preparation and practice, we want to dominate everybody we play against. It’s finally coming up but we are going to take it week by week.”

Sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman’s gut-wrenching season-ending injury, which was announced last Wednesday morning, resulted in excessive media focus shifted to backup signal caller Max Johnson’s ascendance to the top of the depth chart. Still, after today’s elite defensive performance, it may be time to focus on the new-age Wrecking Crew.

Second-year defensive coordinator D.J Durkin rightfully deserved the bulk of the blame for the anemic showing in the loss to Miami, and while I myself called him out after the said performance, I’ll always give credit where credit is due; that was a masterclass in coaching. Not only was every player in the perfect position (credit to freshman linebacker Taurean York) but the blitz packages were perfectly orchestrated with consistent effort and physicality, which we know is a product of good coaching.

What’s even more incredible is that Texas A&M lost the turnover battle 3-1. If it wasn’t for the defense continuing to pressure Jefferson in the second half, we may be discussing a different outcome. With the Alabama Crimson Tide rolling into College Station next Saturday, this Aggies squad can take sole control of the SEC West if this defense is as truly real as it looks.

Texas A&M will host Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT., where it will air on CBS.

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‘I’m proud of this team. The sky is the limit.’ Max Johnson, Ainias Smith, and Edgerrin Cooper recap Aggies’ 34-22 win vs. Arkansas

The Aggies’ defense delivered, while Ainias Smith got some sweet revenge. Texas A&M’s veteran leaders recapped their 34-22 win over Arkansas.

Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) remained undefeated in conference play after throttling Arkansas (2-3, 0-2 SEC) in Week 5. The Aggies’ 34-22 victory marks their 11th win of the last 12 Southwest Classic matchups, making it feel as if a win in Arlington is an annual tradition.

The Maroon and White’s latest victory was truly a complete performance in all three phases, but naturally, praise must be given to the Aggies’ dominant showing on the defensive end. D.J. Durkin’s squad limited Arkansas to 42 rushing yards on 39 attempts, which equates to a pedestrian 1.1 yards per carry. A&M also totaled 15 tackles for loss and seven total sacks, as the group continues to get better at the most crucial juncture of their schedule.

For the second consecutive week, Max Johnson played poised in the pocket, finishing 17/28 for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Despite finishing with a pair of turnovers, the senior southpaw was never rattled as the Aggies held on for the win.

Ainias Smith, who returned to AT&T Stadium roughly one year after his 2022 season came to an end in Arlington, put on a show to remember. In addition to catching four passes for a team-high 71 receiving yards, Agent Zero returned a punt for an 82-yard score, once again highlighting his skillset as a true Swiss army knife.

Following the win, Max Johnson, Ainias Smith, and Edgerrin Cooper each took to the podium to recap Saturday’s victory. Below are their full postgame press conferences, as well as notable highlights from their time at the podium.

‘I love that this team keeps getting better.” Jimbo Fisher praises defense, Max Johnson, and more following Texas A&M’s 34-22 win vs. Arkansas

From a dominant defensive performance to Ainias Smith’s emphatic revenge game, Jimbo Fisher doled out plenty of praise following Texas A&M’s win vs. Arkansas.

The Southwest Classic surely isn’t for the faint of heart nor for the casual college football fan. That statement remains true after Texas A&M’s (4-1, 2-0 SEC) Week 5 win over Arkansas (2-3, 0-2 SEC).

Despite some early sluggishness on offense and a peculiar struggle to get the defense off the field on third downs, the Maroon and White turned in one of their more complete games of the season. The Aggies throttled the Razorbacks 34-22, a game in which the defense truly put the team on its back.

Texas A&M’s defense limited the Hogs to 42 rushing yards on 39 attempts, and if you do the math, that amounts to a pedestrian 1.1 yards per carry. Raheim Sanders was bottled up for 34 yards on the ground, while KJ Jefferson completed just 52.9 percent of his throws.

The Aggies’ defense finished with a monumental 15 tackles for loss and seven total sacks, which warrants some well-deserved admiration. In his postgame presser, Jimbo Fisher made sure to tout the improvement of D.J. Durkin’s unit.

Of course, he also echoed his confidence in Max Johnson, who Fisher aptly noted has always had the skill to be a starting quarterback.

Below is Jimbo Fisher’s full postgame after the Aggies’ 34-22 win over Arkansas, as well as notable highlights from his time at the podium.

Post Game Recap: Texas A&M puts together a complete game; dominating the Arkansas Razorbacks 34-22

Texas A&M’s defense played lights out all game long in route to a big victory against longtime rival Arkansas on Saturday afternoon in Arlington.

On Saturday, Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0 SEC) defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3, 0-2 SEC) 34-22 at AT&T Stadium.

The Aggie defense was up to the challenge early, and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin had been dialing up the pressure on KJ Jefferson on nearly every possession. They only got better as the game went along, holding the Razorbacks to only six points on five possessions in the first half.

A big 4th down stop late in the 2nd quarter by McKinnley Jackson gave the Aggies the ball on the 39 with over two minutes to work. Max Johnson drove the Aggies down the field and hit his brother, sophomore tight end Jake Johnson, for a huge third and long conversion to keep the drive alive.

Then, from inside the five-yard line, Johnson hit fullback Crownover for an easy touchdown grab off the play action to put the Aggies up 17-6 heading into halftime. Through the first half, Johnson spread the ball around, hitting nine different receivers for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

However, this rivalry game stretches back decades and usually includes many back-and-forth drama. On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, Arkansas intercepted Max Johnson for an easy pick-six due to some confusion between the receivers.

The defense would not let Arkansas gain momentum even after a second Max Johnson turnover on their side of the field and held them to a field goal. Not to be outdone by the Razorback defense, the Aggies got their own pick-six on Arkansas’s next possession, pushing the lead to 27-16.

That interception was only the second time in a college football game at AT&T Stadium that two interceptions have been returned for touchdowns in a game. The last time this feat occurred was in 2017 when Florida played Michigan in Jerry’s World.

Texas A&M wasn’t done through, and wanted to make sure to leave a lasting impression in Arlington. Senior do-it-all wide receiver Anias Smith weaved his way through Arkansas defenders after a bobble to put the game away on an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown to extend the Aggie lead to 34-16.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas was able to cut the lead to 34-22 late in the 4th quarter with a deep pass, giving them a glimmer of hope, but after not recovering the onside kick, it gave Aggie the ball with a short field. Sophomore running back Le’Veon Moss completely shut the door on any chance of a miracle comeback on the last drive with seven carries and 47 yards to close out the game for a final score of 34-22.

The Aggies’ offense put together a solid outing but needs to clean up the turnovers and penalties. On the other hand, the defense answered well to the miscues throughout the game, never allowing Arkansas to get going, sacking Jefferson seven times, and having an insane 15 tackles for lost.

It will be hard to keep the Aggies out of the top 25 after this convincing win over the Razorbacks, and they will get another chance to stay in the SEC West race when they host Alabama on October 7th at Kyle Field.

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Social media reacts: Texas A&M’s defense brings pressure, Max Johnson playing poised vs. Arkansas

Social media was loving Texas A&M’s defensive effort, highlighted by nine tackles for loss and a much-needed defensive touchdown in the third quarter.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Texas A&M and Arkansas ushered in another highly-contested chapter of the Southwest Classic in Week 5. With two programs eager to pick up a season-altering victory, it was the Aggies’ defense that rose to the occasion.

In facing one of the SEC’s most well-respected tandems in quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders, Texas A&M leveraged their battle-tested experience to the fullest. The Maroon and White limited the Razorbacks to just two field goals in the first half, and aside from some early struggles on the third down, played extremely well in the trenches.

By the start of the fourth quarter, the Aggies had nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and a much-needed defensive score by Edgerrin Cooper. Max Johnson played poised with an early touchdown to Evan Stewart while moving the chains with some plays outside the pocket.

But a rough offensive third quarter, exacerbated by an interception and a lost fumble by Johnson, ultimately kept the Hogs in the game, despite having no business doing so. Thankfully, A&M’s consistency on defense kept the Razorbacks at bay.

Here are the best social media reactions to Texas A&M’s dominant defensive performance against Arkansas in Week 5.

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How to watch: Texas A&M – Arkansas football game

The Aggies will take on the Arkansas Razorback in the Southwest classic in Jerry world this weekend

Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) will host the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-2, 0-1 SEC) at AT&T Stadium on Saturday in Arlington.

This rivalry’s history dates back to 1927, with Sunday being the 80th contest between the teams. Aggies held the edge over the past decade, winning 9 out of the 10, including a thriller last season.

Arkansas talented QB KJ Jefferson will look to get his team back on track against the Aggies, who are riding a two-game winning streak behind a very balanced offensive and defensive performance over those games.

This, no doubt, will be a hard-fought game that will give the winner a much-needed SEC victory in a league that appears to be wide open for the taking.

Texas A&M’s 2023 regular-season home schedule has contests against ULM, Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi State, and ACU.

The Aggies’ Road schedule features games at Miami, Arkansas, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and LSU.

2023 Texas A&M Aggies football schedule: Downloadable smartphone wallpaper

Below is gameday, television, and radio information for Saturday’s Texas A&M – Arkansas contest at AT&T Stadium.

Final injury report ahead of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

Here is the final injury report ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 5 matchup in Jerry World against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) took care of business last Saturday after defeating the visiting Auburn Tigers (3-1, 0-1 SEC) 27-10 behind backup quarterback Max Johnson’s second-half heroics after starting signal-caller Conner Weigman sustained an ankle injury late in the first half.

This Saturday, Texas A&M will travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-2, 0-1 SEC) in one of the more heated rivalries in college football.

After Monday’s press conference, head coach Jimbo Fisher reported that Weigman’s initial injury prognosis was “day-to-day.” Yet, Wednesday’s gutwrenching report by Houston Chronicle Brent Zwerneman detailed that his ankle injury might be worse than we thought, as the final blow was confirmed by TexAgs’ Billy Liucci that the ascending sophomore signal called sustained a broken bone in his foot that will take an estimated 3.5 months to heal, ultimately ending his 2023 season.

Veteran quarterback Max Johnson will now take over for the rest of the 2023 slate. As most Aggies fans already know, the son of former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Brad Johnson is by far the best backup in college football and is more than capable of helping the Aggies accomplish their goals.

The good news on the injury front? Fisher confirmed that Sophomore wide receiver Noah Thomas is set to return on Saturday, while right tackle Reuben Fatheree II is reportedly still rehabbing from his spring knee injury, as his debut in the starting lineup will likely have to wait another week. Starting safety Jardin Gilbert will also likely miss his second consecutive game.

For Arkansas, star running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders is still questionable for Saturday but will likely play, while wide receiver Sam Mbake is listed as out.

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‘You got to get your revenge back on that turf,’ Ainias Smith has a chip on his shoulder in Aggies’ rematch versus Arkansas

Saturday’s matchup comes full circle for Ainias Smith, who will face Arkansas for the first time since his 2022 season-ending injury.

The Southwest Classic ushers in its next chapter as Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) faces Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC) from AT&T Stadium. For Aggies’ veteran leader Ainias Smith, the matchup carries a bit more weight.

In speaking with Billy Liucci of TexAgs, Smith indicated he’s going to take Saturday’s game a bit more personally, given how his 2022 season came to an end at AT&T Stadium:

“Lewis came up to me earlier today during stretch and stride. He was like, ‘You got to get your revenge back on that turf.’ And I was like, get revenge on the turf? I was like oh yeah, for sure. It’s definitely that time.

Simultaneously, Smith is wise enough to understand that he’ll practice for Saturday’s matchup like any other contest. The motivation may be different, but the preparation doesn’t have to:

So I definitely feel that this week I’m going to take it a little bit more personal. Especially because of what happened. But at the same time, I’m just going to play the game.”

The Aggies came away with a 23-21 thrilling in the last Southwest Classic in 2022, but it was a bittersweet victory. Smith was blocking downfield against the Razorbacks but was rolled up on before being helped off the field in the win. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed he suffered a fracture in his right leg, forcing A&M to be without one of its more dynamic weapons.

At the time of his injury, Smith had been responsible for more than a quarter of Texas A&M’s total offense through four games, with a cumulative 302 all-purpose yards. Losing Smith was one of the more frustrating aspects of the Aggies’ lackluster 5-7 campaign in 2022. But once Smith takes the field in Jerry World on Saturday, it presents an opportunity to officially put those trials in the rearview mirror.

Agent Zero has 18 receptions for 272 yards on the season, which is second-best among Aggie receivers, behind only Evan Stewart. Texas A&M boasts the SEC’s sixth-ranked passing offense with an average of 301.25 YPG through the air. Another high-octane performance would not only keep the Aggies’ season on track but would further solidify Smith as one of the SEC’s most versatile threats on the field.

As the man himself said, you’ve got to get revenge on that turf.

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