Arkansas Wins Southwest Classic Over Texas A&M For First Time Since 2011

Arlington, TX— The streak is OVER! Arkansas defeats Texas A&M 20-10. The Razorbacks have swept the state of Texas! The Hogs improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2003.

It’s been nine games, ten years since the Razorbacks have been able to celebrate a victory over Texas A&M. Since the Aggies joined the Southeastern Conference they have had the Hogs number winning each game since 2012.

Honestly, was the game ever in jeopardy? For the time that Malik Hornsby taking snaps at quarterback while KJ Jefferson was injured with an apparent knee issue things looked bleak. If you’re not a fan of Arkansas you wouldn’t understand the traumatic experience the Razorbacks faithful have endured since the end of 2016. The ball is bouncing Arkansas’ way and it is something no one that supports this program is used to. This program was on life support before an unlikely man that just coached offensive lines became the head coach.

Sam Pittman has unified this football team. He has unified the athletic department. He is unified this fan base. Pittman has even made media members heads turn for the miraculous job he has done in Fayetteville.

Arkansas threw some haymakers at Texas A&M during the first half that led the Razorbacks to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. The first score was a field goal from freshman kicker Cam Little to take an early 3-0 lead.

A couple of drives later Treylon Burks would make a catch down the right sideline for an 85-yard touchdown to take a 10-0 lead.

The final touchdown for the Hogs came on a catch and run by freshman running back AJ Green. He reeled in a short pass, broke three tackles and was pushed out of another to glide his way for a 48-yard touchdown to make it a 17-0 lead.

The Aggies defense had not allowed a single passing touchdown this season until Jefferson threw for two of them on Saturday. Jefferson has some guts too as he returned to the game after an injury during the third quarter. He didn’t stop running either with a game sealing first down on the final drive of the game. Jefferson finished 7-for-15 passing and 212 yards.

The Arkansas run game was held to 197 yards on the ground which is just a bit under their season average. During the second half the Aggies were selling out all they could to keep the running game to a minimum. It wasn’t enough and Arkansas was able to come out on the winning side of things.

With the gutsy performance it looks like Jefferson has earned the admiration and respect he deserves from Razorback fans. The starting quarterback overcame an injury to lead his team not only as the vocal team captain but the general of the Razorback offense.

How about those three additions along the defensive line in Tre Williams, John Ridgeway and Markell Utsey? They are the best thing that could’ve happened to the 2021 Hogs Razorback defense. There is no telling where they would be without them. Williams definitely deserves a game ball for his performance today. He finished the day with four tackles and two sacks against the Aggies. He could’ve had plenty more but he brought pressure almost every snap living in the opponent’s backfield.

Ridgeway is a matchup nightmare. The mountain man commanded a double or triple team to allow rushers through the gaps. He may have only recorded one tackle and one for a loss but the impact he has on this defense is remarkable. Ridgeway is a difference maker for Arkansas.

Texas A&M could never get anything going on offense. The Aggies were held to 272 total yards with 152 of them through the air by quarterback Zach Calzada. Isaiah Spiller had 12 carries for 95 yards but the majority of those came on a 67 yard touchdown run.

Special teams continues to impress this season, too. What an addition at kicker with Cam Little! He went 2-for-2 on field goals with a long one of 46 yards.

The Razorbacks will celebrate this win for 24 hours before they begin preparation for the Georgia Bulldogs. That matchup will take place on October 2, 2021 at 11 A.M. CST and be broadcasted on ESPN.

Jacob Davis is the managing editor of Arkansas Fight. Give him a follow on Twitter @jacobscottdavis.