Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Notebook: Defense Dominates Again

The Aggies remain undefeated in the SEC with a 34-22 win over Arkansas on Saturday in the annual Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Aggies remain undefeated in the SEC with a 34-22 win over Arkansas on Saturday in the annual Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Let's take a look at three things that helped decide the outcome.

FINALLY, A PICK-6

Aggies linebacker Chris Russell recorded the Aggies' first interception returned for a touchdown of the season during the third quarter. The senior linebacker nabbed a KJ Jefferson pass on third down for a 16-yard score to extend A&M's lead by 11 in the Southwest Classic.

Jefferson struggled with the Aggies' pass rush throughout the afternoon, but this time had a clear window. The ball was tipped just past the line of scrimmage by sophomore defensive back Bryce Anderson, with Russell hovering right behind.

Russell's pick-six marks the second time in AT&T history that each team recorded an interception that was returned for a touchdown and the first time since Michigan faced Florida in the Cotton Bowl in 2017.

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF AINIAS SMITH TO AT&T STADIUM

In the third quarter, with the game still very much in question, Smith fumbled an Arkansas punt around the Aggies 18-yard line. He recovered quickly, picked up the ball, and ran 82 yards virtually untouched to give A&M a 27-16 lead.

It was the first point of the game when the Aggies really gained momentum and seemed to pull away. The Razorbacks never got close on the scoreboard afterward.

Smith registered three returns for 131 yards and the touchdown, an average of 43.7. yards per return.

DOMINANT DEFENSE

A&M began the game with pressure and never let up. Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jefferson - who's known as a mobile quarterback with the ability to rattle off lengthy runs - was constantly on the move and being taken to the turf. Jefferson managed just 132 yards through the air on 9 of 17 passing, and -3 yards rushing on 18 carries. The longest carry by any Razorback was Jefferson's 10-yard scamper. The Aggies' defense sacked Jefferson seven times on the day.