Texas A&M vs Arkansas: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

No. 14 Texas A&M lost a heart breaker last week at Kyle Field, but they are going to need to be on their "A" game if they want to steal a victory away from No. 18 Arkansas this week.

Both teams enter this game with one loss and looking to rebound after painful losses last week. Neither squad can afford to drop another game, given the highly competitive conferences they belong to.

A win this week will launch them right back into the thick of their respective conferences, while a loss will force them to skid even further down the rankings.

With the Aggies joining the SEC, this is a great chance for them to send a message to their future conference rival, while the Razorbacks will be looking to let them know exactly what they've gotten themselves into.

Let's take a closer look at one of the week's best matchups.

When: Saturday, October 1, 12 p.m. ET 

Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3.com

Spread 

Note: Lines according to Bodog

Texas A&M -3, Arkansas +3

Arkansas has yet to obtain a signature victory. They got spanked last week by one of the best teams in the nation and though they desperately need to rebound, Texas A&M has the clear advantage this week. The Aggies collapsed against Oklahoma State last week and have to be anxious to get back on the field and avenge their heartbreaking loss.

Key Injuries

Texas A&M:

Louise Swope, DB, Probable (Head)
Michael Lamothe, Tight End, Questionable (Concussion)

Arkansas:

Isaac Madison, CB, Probable (Knee)
Jake Bequette, DE, Questionable (Hamstring)
Tenarius Wright, DE, Out, (Broken Arm)
Broderick Green, RB, Out for Season (ACL)
Knile Davis, RB, Out for Season (Ankle)

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications

A win for Texas A&M would launch them back into the top 10. They weren't able to capitalize on the great opportunity they had in the bag last week and dropping this game will send them spiraling downward out of the top 20.

A win for Arkansas would give them just the signature win they need to legitimize themselves. Creeping into the top 15 isn't out of the question, as a win would show that they are capable of beating respectable teams. Losing would send them skidding down rankings to the brink of being forced out entirely.

Keys to Texas A&M Win

Senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill has to protect the football. He had a big hand in handing the game to Oklahoma State last week. Texas A&M can't win this week if he continues to turn the ball over. 

Alabama exposed Arkansas' offense last week and as long as Texas A&M can avoid turning this game into a shootout, they'll be able to come away with a win.

Keys to Arkansas Win

Arkansas has to be aggressive early. Right now it's unclear whether Arkansas' dominant defense was slowed down by Alabama or if they were never all that good in the first place. In order to assure Texas A&M that the latter isn't true, Arkansas has to come out firing and fearless.

The Arkansas passing game has to make its presence felt. Kobi Hamilton and Joe Adams are forces to be reckoned with and the Aggies showed their secondary has its shortcomings last week. Arkansas has to take advantage of the opportunities the Aggies give them through the air.

Prediction

Texas A&M 31, Arkansas 24

Neither of these teams has a win worth mentioning, but their losses came in completely different fashions. Arkansas got blown away last week and there is a good chance Texas A&M will be able to catch them lamenting that loss.