ARLINGTON, Texas – It was expected to be a big day for the Arkansas offense, which on paper, it was. The Razorback offense did rack up over 400 total yards, but it was the defense that came up big late in the game, giving the 11th-ranked Hogs a 24-17 victory over Texas A&M in the second annual Southwest Classic. The Razorback defense came up with four turnovers throughout the game, one interception and three fumbles, and had huge third and fourth down stops late in the fourth quarter to give Arkansas the victory. With the win, Arkansas moves to 4-1 on the season, while Texas A&M falls to 3-2.
The Hog offense had its ups and downs against the Aggies. 10 Razorback receivers caught at least one pass from Ryan Mallett, who ended up with 310 yards passing. He now has thrown for 300 or more yards in every game this season, which is a school record. However, there were numerous times the Razorbacks started their drive on the A&M side of the field and were forced to either punt or go for the field goal.
The first half was more to Arkansas fans liking as the Hogs scored two quick touchdowns on their first three possessions. The first coming on the coattails of a four minute drive that ended with a nine yard pass from Ryan Mallett to Joe Adams. The score was Adams only real highlight of the night as the TAMU defense clearly keyed in on Adams after his previous big weeks against Alabama and Louisiana-Monroe.
It was then that Arkansas saw a new name jump to the top of the list of receivers and deliver for the Hogs. After Texas A&M responded with a touchdown of their own, sophomore Cobi Hamilton made a huge 71 yard touchdown catch from Mallett on just their third possession of the game and Arkansas regained the lead late in the first quarter. A lead they would hold on to for the remainder of the game.
The high scoring first half continued for the Hogs after Mallett took his team down the field in barely a minute late in quarter number two and connected with tight end Ben Cleveland on a six yard pass to give the Razorbacks a 21-7 lead. The touchdown catch by Cleveland was his first since the 2008 season.
The Aggies, however, felt that having only 53 seconds until halftime was just enough time to drive 64 yards and respond right back to remain only seven points down after the first half. The touchdown came on a 31 yard pass from Jerrod Johnson to wide receiver, Jeff Fuller. Fuller had a career night with eight catches for 154 yards and one touchdown.
For the rest of the game, it became a story of defense and clock management. The Razorbacks were able to kick two field goals in the second half and continue to have a solid rushing attack from Knile Davis and Broderick Green. Both backs combined for 153 yards on the ground. Good for their best game of the season and it was that attack that kept the clock ticking and the A&M offense off the field. Coming into this game, Texas A&M had held their opponents to only 68 yards per game on the ground, but the Hogs surpassed that mark with barely a minute and a half left in the first quarter.
After this win, Arkansas now sets their sights on the now 8th-ranked Auburn Tigers for a tough away game at Auburn’s Jordan O’Hare Stadium. Auburn is coming off a close win at Kentucky and will remained ranked in the top 10 heading into next Saturday. Start time for the game has yet to be set. Be sure to tune in to UATV news all week for coverage leading up to next Saturday’s big matchup.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARKANSAS MEDIA RELATIONS