FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Marcel Reed delivered one of the best performances of his young career, throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns while adding 55 rushing yards and another
score, as No. 4 Texas A&M held off Arkansas in a thrilling 45-42 win on Saturday, keeping their perfect season alive.
With the victory, the Aggies (7-0, 4-0 SEC) achieved their first 7–0 start since 1994, when they finished 10-0-1. Following Georgia’s 43-35 win over Ole Miss earlier in the day, Texas A&M
now stands as the only unbeaten team remaining in the SEC.
Texas A&M continued its dominance in this rivalry, taking its 13th win in the last 14 meetings against the Razorbacks (2-5, 0-3). The Aggies’ offense was unstoppable, scoring on seven of nine
drives and totaling 497 yards of offense.
Leading by just three late in the fourth quarter after Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green connected with Jaden Platt for a four-yard score, the Aggies faced a crucial fourth-and-one from their
own 34. Running back EJ Smith muscled ahead for a two-yard gain, keeping the drive alive. Moments later, Reed found Ashton Bethel-Roman for a 37-yard completion, setting up Reuben
Owens II’s 12-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 10.
Green and the Razorbacks answered with another late touchdown — a four-yard pass to CJ Brown with 10 seconds left — but Texas A&M recovered the onside kick to seal the win.
Owens stepped up in place of injured Le’Veon Moss, finishing with 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Bethel-Roman caught four passes for 83 yards and a score, KC Concepcion added
five receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, and Nate Boerkircher contributed a one-yard TD grab.
For Arkansas, Green threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns, added 89 rushing yards and two more scores, while Mike Washington posted 147 rushing yards, though the Razorbacks
suffered their fifth straight loss.
Poll Implications
With No. 2 Miami’s 24-21 loss to Louisville on Friday, Texas A&M is expected to climb into the AP Top 3 — their highest ranking since 1995.
What It Means
Texas A&M: The offense shined, but the defense struggled, surrendering 527 total yards and 268 on the ground. Head coach Mike Elko will likely emphasize defensive improvements as the
Aggies prepare for tougher matchups.
Arkansas: The Razorbacks showed heart in their first home game under interim coach Bobby Petrino. If they can carry that intensity forward, they may still turn things around this season.
Next Up
- Texas A&M: travels to face No. 10 LSU next Saturday.
- Arkansas: stays home to host Auburn.
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