Texas A&M @ Arkansas preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 29, 2012 ) Arkansas 10, Texas A&M 58

Texas A&M makes its first trip to Fayetteville since 1990 on Saturday when the ninth-ranked Aggies face Arkansas, which plays its SEC opener after blowing a 17-point lead in last week’s 28-24 loss at Rutgers. Texas A&M scored at least 40 points in its first four games for the first time in school history after a 42-13 win over Southern Methodist last Saturday. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel engineers an Aggies offense that leads the SEC in scoring (50.3 per game) and yards (602.3).

The Aggies’ explosive offense could mean trouble for Arkansas, which allowed Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova to throw for 346 yards last week. Texas A&M’s defense turned in an encouraging effort against SMU, but stopping Arkansas running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams figures to be a tougher test. Razorbacks junior quarterback AJ Derby failed to impress against Rutgers, but he could make his second straight start with Brandon Allen still day-to-day due to a bruised throwing shoulder.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: None

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (3-1, 0-1 SEC): Manziel has accounted for 15 touchdowns while averaging 370.8 yards of total offense per game and completing 70 percent of his passes. Sophomore wide receiver Mike Evans remains Manziel's primary target, but junior Malcome Kennedy has become a complementary threat with a team-high four touchdown catches. The Aggies’ kicking game is a major concern after Josh Lambo and Taylor Bertolet combined to miss three consecutive extra-point attempts against SMU, and coach Kevin Sumlin said the two are competing for the job in practice this week.

ABOUT ARKANSAS (3-1): The Razorbacks are starting the toughest stretch of their schedule with their meeting against Texas A&M, followed by a game at Florida, a home contest against South Carolina and a visit to Alabama. After rushing for 883 yards in its first three games, Arkansas was held to 101 yards against Rutgers. Senior defensive end Chris Smith leads the SEC in sacks with 5.5 and he’ll need another big game to contain Manziel, who accounted for 557 yards of total offense when Texas A&M routed the Razorbacks 58-10 last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Bret Bielema is 47-5, including 3-0 with the Razorbacks, in home games as a head coach.

2. Texas A&M has scored first in 16 of 17 games under Sumlin.

3. The Razorbacks have not allowed any points on their opponents’ first drive of either half this season.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 34, Arkansas 20



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