Texas A&M vs Arkansas preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

The Texas A&M Aggies and Arkansas Razorbacks will meet in Arlington, Texas on Saturday for the 2015 Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium, in a matchup that features two teams trending in the opposite direction in recent weeks.

After beginning the season unranked, the Aggies put themselves on the map with a convincing 38-17 victory over Arizona State to open the season. Since then, Texas A&M has soared to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 and No. 15 in the Coaches Poll. The Aggies have found success on both sides of the ball, with a pair of sophomores in quarterback Kyle Allen and defensive end Myles Garrett leading their respective units.

Meanwhile, Arkansas started out the season in the top-20 of both polls, but has free-falled out of the Top 25 with back-to-back upset losses at home to Toledo and Texas Tech. The root of the Razorbacks’ problems begin with injuries, most notably losing senior running back Jonathan Williams for the entire regular season, which left senior quarterback Brandon Allen and junior running back Alex Collins to carry the load on offense.

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, September 26th
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Arlington, Texas
Stadium: AT&T Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Radio: ESPN Radio, Texas A&M Sports Network, Arkansas Sports Network
Ticket information: For Texas A&M ticket info click here. For Arkansas ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

Texas A&M:

The Aggies have arguable the best defensive end duo in the nation in Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall, who rank No. 1 and No. 2 in the SEC in sacks. These two will need to continue to find success getting to the quarterback. Brandon Allen is one of the most experienced signal-callers in the country, and could have a huge night if Texas A&M cannot get pressure in the backfield.

Another key for the Aggies is going to be protecting the football. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Allen has played well in the past two weeks, but his struggles against Arizona State cannot be forgotten. Allen has not faced a formidable defense since the season opener, and while the Razorbacks have struggled recently, this weekend will be a major test for him.

Arkansas:

Arkansas will need big games from junior running back Alex Collins and senior quarterback Brandon Allen if they are going to have a chance at upsetting the Aggies and getting back on the right track. Collins is one of the most talented backs in the SEC, and the Razorbacks are 6-3 when he rushes for at least 100 yards. Establishing the run is going to be crucial if they are going to defeat Texas A&M.

Allen is leading the conference in passing yards, but his receiving corps have been depleted due to injuries. Junior tight end Hunter Henry has become a focal point of the passing game, and he will need have another productive night for the Razorbacks on Saturday.

On defense, Arkansas must prevent Kyle Allen and the Aggies’ receivers from producing the big plays that have become a staple of their offensive success.

Betting Odds

Point spread: Texas A&M -7
Money line: Arkansas +245
O/U: 58

Prediction

Arkansas has looked awful in recent weeks while Texas A&M has dominated, but do not expect these themes to continue on Saturday. The Aggies will struggle initially against the Razorbacks, who feature the most complete offense they will have faced this season. Ultimately, big plays on offense and a productive pass rush will allow Texas A&M to pull out a close victory that comes down to the final possession.

Final Score: Texas A&M 34, Arkansas 28

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