The Arkansas Razorbacks are looking to open up SEC play 2-0 for the first time since the 2006 season as they take on No. 24 Texas A&M in the final edition of the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium.
Kickoff between the Hogs (3-1, 1-0 SEC) and Aggies (3-1, 1-0 SEC) is set for 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN. Here are the 3 ‘Musts’ for Arkansas as they take on the Aggies.
1.) Taylen Green MUST Establish The Passing Game
Over the past two starts for Taylen Green, he has been inconsistent at best in the passing gam. The Arkansas quarterback is due for an explosive game through the air to help propel the Hogs in Jerry World as they look to end the neutral-site classic on a high note.
Green went for 12 of 27 for 151 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in last week’s win at Auburn. His lone touchdown came on a 58-yard strike to wide receiver Isaiah Sategna on a highlight-reel throw and catch where Green escaped, heaved and let his receiver “Moss” a defender for the score.
Expect Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to get Green involved early in the passing game by rolling him out and moving the pocket for high percentage throws to build confidence, but there will come a time and place for deep shots downfield as well.
The offensive line will also be tested with providing Green the needed time to find the open receivers down the field as well. Texas A&M has only recorded five sacks through four games this season.
[You may also be interested in Arkansas-Texas A&M Midweek Injury Report]
2.) The Arkansas Defense MUST Step Up
The Arkansas defense will once again need a big game for the Hogs to get out of Arlington with a victory. Texas A&M has its flaws, but the Aggies also boast the No. 8 rushing attack in the country at over 256 yards per game on the ground.
Running back Le’Veon Moss and dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed have been a potent 1-2 punch, and the Razorbacks will have to plug gaps in the trenches, be sound tackling on the second level and put forth the type of effort that shut down Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon at Oklahoma State.
Arkansas would certainly welcome another game-changing performance from TJ Metcalf, who won SEC Defensive Player of the Week following the Auburn win where he had 4 tackles, 2 PBU’s and also had 2 interceptions.
3.) Arkansas MUST Win The Turnover Battle
The last time Arkansas faced an inexperienced quarterback — a week ago — the Razorbacks wreaked havoc in the turnover department, forcing five Auburn miscues on the afternoon.
In a game that has often featured wacky, wild and uncommon plays, winning the turnover battle feels like a critical component to success this weekend.
What does Travis Williams have up his sleeve to disrupt Reed, and can they do so without getting burned by his legs?
Additionally, the Razorbacks did a better job getting pressure on the quarterback at Auburn, which played a role in the turnover problems for the Tigers. Texas A&M has only allowed three sacks all season, but it was the “illusion” of pressure that did the trick against Auburn that contributed to mistakes.
With the Razorbacks coming off a stellar defensive performance with forcing five takeaways, the Hogs will be hungry to double-down with another opportunistic effort against the Aggies on Saturday.