Free Pick: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M at Arlington, TX. 9/25/21

This is a big-time game in the SEC, especially with the emergence of the Razorbacks. Arkansas has burst on to the scene after their 40-21 thrashing of Texas in prime time. The Aggies lost their starting quarterback in the Colorado game and are struggling on offense. The Hogs always play Texas A&M tough and they have a great chance of pulling an upset in this one in AT&T Stadium.

Scouting the Aggies: Quarterback, Zach Calzada has completed 37 out of 72 passes for 458 yards with 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He hasn’t been asked to do much and he will have to be able to make some plays in the passing game against the Razorbacks. Running backs, Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane have combined for 453 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. They also have caught 14 passes out of the backfield for another 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. They are the heart of the A&M offense. The main threats at receiver are Ainias Smith who has caught 13 passes for 135 yards and 2 TD’s and tight end Jalen Wydermyer who has 12 catches. The Aggie defense has been stingy and have allowed only 17 points in 3 games, and they are ranked as the No.1 defense in the country. But this will be their first test of the season. They are solid at every position and will be a handful for the Razorbacks.

Scouting the Razorbacks: Arkansas has splashed into the Top-25 with the improved play of K.J. Jefferson at quarterback. He has thrown for 632 yards and 4 touchdowns and rushed for 180 more and 2 touchdowns. He is the catalyst for the offense. The Razorbacks have depth at running back as 4 players have combined for 593 yards and 9 touchdowns. Treylon Burks and Tyson Morris have 19 catches for 354 yards and three touchdowns between them. This offense has been productive and can hurt you in a lot of ways. Defensively, linebackers, Bumper Pool, Grant Morgan, and Hayden Henry have been outstanding and defensive backs, Jalen Catalon and Joe Foucha are top notch.

The keys to this game revolve around the Texas A&M offense and how effective are they going to be. They are struggling for points and haven’t shown much explosiveness. Arkansas is going to score some points and the Aggies are going to have to match them. The other key will be how well Texas A&M does against the Razorbacks’ running game. If they can force Arkansas to throw the ball, that could be a difference maker. Texas A&M is a 5-point favorite.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Arkansas +5