Texas A&M (2-2, 0-2 SEC) returns to Kyle Field on Saturday to face Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC). Both teams need a conference win, but the Aggies have the more urgent problem to solve after consecutive losses to Kentucky and LSU.
A&M followed its 31-21 loss to the Wildcats with a 35-6 defeat in Baton Rouge. The offense managed just 197 total yards against LSU and failed to score a touchdown. The defense also struggled, allowing 506 yards after giving up 411 to Kentucky the previous week.
Arkansas comes to College Station off a 34-6 win over Tulsa. Quarterback KJ Jackson threw for 309 yards, while Chris Marshall caught nine passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. The Razorbacks have had their own uneven start, losing to Utah and Georgia before that win.
Even after A&M’s rough start to SEC play, the early line makes the Aggies a two-touchdown favorite at home. That number says plenty about the gap oddsmakers see between these teams, but Texas A&M still has to show it can move the ball consistently and keep Arkansas from finding the same openings Kentucky and LSU exploited.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, October. 3, at Kyle Field.
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Early Texas A&M vs. Arkansas odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday September 28
- Moneyline: Texas A&M -625 / Arkansas +475
- Spread: Texas A&M by 14
- Over/under: 51.5
Texas A&M injury report
- Jamarion Morrow (RB) - Questionable
- KJ Edwards (RB) - Questionable
- Ashton Bethel-Roman (WR) - Questionable
- Terry Bussey (WR) - Out (out for the season)
- Madden Williams (WR) - Out (out for the season)
- Tiger Riden (RB) - Out (out for the season)
- Chace Sims (DT) - Out (out for the season)
Arkansas injury report
- TBD
Texas A&M Key Players
- Marcel Reed
- Isaiah Horton
- Mario Craver
- Marcus Ratcliffe
- Marco Jones
- Dalton Brooks
Arkansas Key Players
- KJ Jackson
- Chris Marshall
Texas A&M vs Arkansas prediction, pick:
Texas A&M has given me very little reason to trust it after the losses to Kentucky and LSU. Marcel Reedhas been inconsistent, the offense failed to score a touchdown in Baton Rouge, and the defense has allowed too many easy plays. I cannot look at the last two games and confidently say the Aggies are about to put everything together.
Arkansas should make this a tougher game than the early spread suggests. KJ Jackson is coming off a strong passing performance against Tulsa, and Chris Marshall gives him a receiver who can challenge an A&M secondary that has struggled in SEC play. If the Aggies leave him open the way they did LSU’s receivers, they could find themselves playing from behind again.
Still, I think A&M responds at Kyle Field. Reed does not need to carry the offense by himself, but he has to protect the ball and take the throws that are there. A better commitment to the running game would help him, and the defense should have enough talent to make a few stops when the game is on the line.
I’m picking the Aggies to get their first SEC win, though I expect them to have to earn it deep into the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Arkansas 24
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas predictions, picks, odds for Week 5
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