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The Aggies' one weakness? They can't pass. Arkansas ranks last nationally against the pass, and it's the first road game for Woo Pie Sooie. Sometimes I just blurt out Woo Pig Sooie when a particular ramen noodle or Beefaroni just hits the spot. I need to let college go ... do like Aggies at home though (technically not home but it will be 90 percent A&M fans in Dallas).
The wrong team is favored here. The Aggies haven't looked close to the top 10 team it was labeled in the preseason, thanks to an offense that's stuck in the 1990s. Now they go to Arlington for their first test away from friendly Kyle Field. Meanwhile the Razorbacks can both run the ball (10th in the country) and stop the run (sixth). I like their chances at extending A&M's offensive woes.
Texas A&M flexed its muscles last week against Miami but the offense still only gained 265 yards in a 17-9 home win, while allowing 392 yards. QB Max Johnson was 10-of-20 for 140 yards. The week before with Haynes King at QB, it was only 186 yards of offense in a 17-14 home loss to Appalachian State. Arkansas had 600 yards of offense last week and more than 447 each of the two wins prior. It’s Razorback QB KJ Jefferson’s time and it's his year. The spread is proper with the neutral field at AT&T Stadium. Take the points with Arkansas.
Texas A&M doesn't have the makeup to take advantage of Arkansas' one flaw, which is in the secondary because of key early-season injuries. The Aggies' struggles to move the ball through the air prevent them from being able to hit the Hogs where it hurts, and I think Arkansas' offensive line will wear down a strong Texas A&M defensive front over the course of four quarters. Arkansas jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead against the Aggies in Jerryworld last year and sat on them through the second half en route to a win. I could see something similar on Saturday.
This is a contrast in styles. The Hogs have been able to get up and down the field offensively, but watched their defense do the same. Texas A&M is the complete opposite. The Aggies struggle to score, but so do their opponents. I think the A&M defense will have its way, which may not mean the Aggies will win. However, I do think it means that the total stays low. If the score goes over, Arkansas is a much more likely winner.
Texas A&M made a QB switch and escaped with a victory against Miami, despite getting out-gained by 128 yards. But that loss to Appalachian State is a red flag. The Razorbacks have a really good pass rush and now will face an inexperienced QB at a neutral site. We get the better QB (dual threat), offensive line and red-zone efficiency as an underdog. Arkansas has out-gained all three foes by 113 yards. The Razorbacks out-gained the Aggies 448-272 in their 20-10 win last season. Don't worry that Arkansas plays Alabama next week. In a similar spot last year, Arkansas defeated LSU before playing the Crimson Tide. Arkansas has a lot more experience playing on field turf. The Razorbacks are 8-5 straight-up, while Texas A&M is just 1-1 SU over the past three seasons. A larger sample size shows Texas A&M is just 1-5 ATS in its last six games on field turf. Take the underdog.