Texas A&M vs. Arkansas: Game Grades, Analysis for Aggies and Razorbacks

In a game that featured a ball-hog offense, a quick-score opponent and a dramatic overtime finish, Texas A&M emerged victorious over Arkansas, 28-21, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. With just 2:51 remaining in the game and the Aggies down 21-13, starting quarterback Kyle Allen engineered the tying drive and two-point conversion to give A&M the eventual conference win. 

Improving on its already stellar record, A&M moves to 4-0 (1-0 SEC), while the Razorbacks, who put up an unexpected fight, fall to a dismal 1-3 (0-1 SEC) mark. For the full game details, check out the box score at NCAA. 

	First Half	Second Half	Overtime
Pass Offense	A-	A	A+
Rush Offense	C	C-	B
Pass Defense	C-	C+	B+
Rush Defense	D	D-	A-
Special Teams	B+	B-	B
Coaching	C+	B	B+

Pass Offense: During a game that called for an exceptionally efficient offense, Allen delivered, putting together 358 total yards on 21-of-28 passing for two touchdowns and no turnovers. The composed sophomore was almost perfectly consistent through both halves, throwing one score in each half and another in overtime while nailing a 75 percent completion percentage altogether. 

Rush Offense: Because of the nature of Arkansas' ball-hog offense, running the ball was not a concern for A&M during the game. However, running back Tra Carson did earn the crucial carry for the Aggies' tying score late in the fourth, while backup QB Kyler Murray was able to add versatility with his speed in the ground game during the second half. 

Pass Defense: While Arkansas starter Brandon Allen was a brilliant 20-of-25 with one score and 225 yards passing throughout the game, he did commit the only turnovers with an interception in the first half and a fumble late in the second. Allen's passing efficiency, though, kept drives alive and forced A&M to face a versatile offense throughout. 

Rush Defense: "Dismal" would be an accurate description, as the Razorbacks offensive line pushed the Aggies around all game. Starter Alex Collins and backup Rawleigh Williams III combined on the day for 197 yards for two scores and no turnovers. Furthermore, Arkansas' dominance in the run game forced A&M into multiple tough situations, as clock management by the Razorbacks almost crushed A&M's hopes late in the game. 

Special Teams: While A&M kicker Taylor Bertolet was perfect through two attempts, his third—a possible game-winner—sailed wide right. However, outside of that minor mistake, the Aggies special teams were just about perfect, containing the Razorbacks returns and creating decent-to-good field position with consistency. 

Coaching: Perhaps it was the referees or maybe just sloppiness on the part of the coaches, but penalties plagued the game for the Aggies throughout. Overall, they committed seven for 52 yards, with many coming at critical times during the game. All credit for the calm demeanor of the offense and defense during the final drives and overtime goes to Kevin Sumlin and his staff, though. 

	First Half	Second Half	Overtime
Pass Offense	A	B+	C
Rush Offense	A+	A+	B-
Pass Defense	C	D+	C-
Rush Defense	A	A-	B
Special Teams	B	B	N/A
Coaching	C+	B	B-

Pass Offense: The Arkansas passing attack actually generated just three fewer yards than its potent rushing game, giving the Razorbacks a well-balanced machine that constantly gashed A&M. In the first half alone, QB Brandon Allen put together 15-of-17 for 136 yards and one touchdown. However, the game's two lone turnovers occurred under Allen's watch, cutting into Arkansas' chances to pull off the win. 

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Rush Offense: Undeniably the most complete aspect of this team, the rush attack was deadly against an A&M defense that could not slow down the Razorbacks offensive line. Collins, Williams III and Brandon Allen combined for 228 yards and two scores, not to mention put the Aggies in a tough situation to end the game because of effective time management. 

Pass Defense: In retrospect, it's difficult to contain a quarterback as efficient and confident as Kyle Allen, who barely made a mistake throughout the game while securing the win with the final Aggies drive of regulation and the opening drive of overtime. Overall, it came through the air, as true freshman Christian Kirk and junior wideout Josh Reynolds found space all over the field. 

Rush Defense: Not that it isn't commendable to hold A&M to just 65 total rush yards, but the Aggies weren't exactly trying too hard to work the ground game. Nevertheless, Arkansas made A&M one-dimensional, and while it didn't actually slow the Aggies down, it was easy to know what was coming next. 

Special Teams: The special teams unit made virtually no mistakes against A&M, except perhaps allowing Kirk a little too much space on a few returns. 

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Coaching: Good ol' penalties, a true dagger in the side for this Razorbacks squad. On the day, Arkansas racked up nearly 100 yards in fouls, combining for 93 yards on a whopping 11 penalties. The Razorbacks staff, though, must be commended for its clock management, as Arkansas came up just a few yards short of possibly sealing the game behind the potent rush attack.