ARLINGTON, Texas — After a big win on the road last week topping the Auburn Tigers 24-14, the Arkansas Razorbacks will be back on the road this week for the Southwest Classic against Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
This game moved to Arlington in 2014 and since then, it hasn't gone in the Hogs' favor. Texas A&M has won nine of the last 10 in this series with the Hogs' lone win coming in 2021 when the 16th-ranked Razorbacks shocked the #7 Aggies 20-10 to improve to 4-0 on the year.
However, this will be the final addition to this rivalry played in Arlington as next year they will start with the traditional home-and-home format. The Hogs will host the first one at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in 2025.
As for this year, the Aggies come into this match-up ranked 24th in the AP poll and are 3-1 on the year. A loss came in week one when they hosted #7 Notre Dame in College Station and fell 23-13. Since then they have won three straight games, including a win against the Florida Gators 33-20 in Gainesville and last week's close call against Bowling Green 26-20.
This is A&M head coach Mike Elko's first year in College Station after coming from Duke. However, before Duke Elko was back at A&M as their Defensive Coordinator under Jimbo Fisher. That means he knows a lot about this game in Arlington and knows what to expect.
The leading passer for the Aggies has been Marcel Reed, who has 422 passing yards and four touchdowns so far this year. But, Reed isn't the main starter for A&M as Conner Weigman started the year behind center but got hurt in their week one loss to Notre Dame. Despite finishing that game and starting their week two game against McNeese State, he has sat out the last two games. His status is still day-to-day and Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman says his team will be ready for both QBs.
As for the rest of the team, Le'Veon Moss is the team's leading rusher with 354 yards with Reed right behind him with 217 yards. Cyrus Allen is the leading receiver with 181 yards on 10 receptions. On the defensive end, Taurean York leads the team in tackles with 23 total and eight solos and Marcus Ratcliffe leads the team in interceptions with 3. So far, the team has only managed five sacks through four games and Shemar Stewart leads the team with 1.5.
Speaking of defense, the Hogs are coming off their best defensive performance of the year against Auburn, allowing just 14 points. The Hogs forced five turnovers, including four interceptions — two from TJ Metcalf and one from both Jayden Johnson and Doneiko Slaughter. Slaughter also had a team-leading seven solo tackles, one sack, and another tackle for loss.
On the other side of the ball, the Hogs' offense didn't have their best game as Taylen Green only had 12 completions on 27 attempts for 151 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The rushing game made up for it as Green ran for 80 yards, Ja'Quinden Jackson had 22 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns, and Braylen Russell had another 22 yards.
The Hogs and the Aggies will face off for one final time at Jerry World on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
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