Fresh off a victory versus Bowling Green, Texas A&M football heads to Jerry World to face Arkansas in the Southwest Classic at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Aggies’ run defense was porous to start the season, but has tightened up in recent weeks, allowing only 89 rushing yards against the Falcons. The improvement has been in large part due to increased intensity from the defensive line, but there’s still work to be done. A&M was giving up chunk plays on the ground to Bowling Green in the first half but tightened up its defense in the second.
“I think we need to stop runs before they get to the second level,” junior defensive lineman Nic Scourton said. “I think we’re going to practice harder. We’re going to go and work harder, and we’re going to try to stop that.”
The Maroon and White will have their hands full trying to contain the Razorbacks’ backfield duo of junior quarterback Taylen Green and redshirt senior running back Ja’Quinden Jackson. The pair of transfers are in the top 10 of the SEC in rushing yards and sit behind a strong offensive line headlined by redshirt senior offensive guard Joshua Braun.
Green is a true dual-threat quarterback able to take off at a moment’s notice, and the Aggies would be wise to have a QB spy on him at all times.
“Regardless of down and distance, area of the field, situation, he has the ability to make an explosive play either with his arm or with his feet,” coach Mike Elko said. “And that type of explosiveness creates a higher level of focus within your defense because you can’t make mistakes.”
A&M’s highly-touted pass rush has been able to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks but has had a hard time finishing plays. A year after topping the SEC in sacks, the Aggies currently rank second to last with only five to start the year.
Green is able to make a break for it when forced to the outside, so A&M should prioritize keeping him in the pocket. When the protection breaks down, Green can get jittery, leading to mistakes, as shown by his four interceptions for second in the SEC.
If Green makes an error, sophomore defensive back Marcus Ratcliffe will be waiting to pounce. Ratcliffe currently leads the nation with three interceptions after snagging a pick in the end zone to end Bowling Green’s dreams of a comeback. Ratcliffe combines sure hands with solid defensive instincts and is a potent combination lurking in the secondary.
The Razorbacks are currently second in the nation when it comes to third down conversions, but an increase in sacks will force Arkansas into obvious passing situations. This will help prevent its option attack, a staple when it goes to third and short.
The defensive line pair of senior Shemar Turner and junior Shemar Stewart was banged up against Bowling Green, but each notched a sack. Their matchup against Braun will be key in how effective the Razorbacks’ rushing attack will be.
Redshirt senior wide receiver Andrew Armstrong serves as Green’s safety blanket with his 6-foot-4 frame, but junior DB Will Lee III has the size to match up well with him. Look to see them battle for positioning when it comes to passes to the outside.
