No. 24 Texas A&M Opponent Preview: Arkansas Razorbacks

Texas A&M squares off against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 81st edition of the "Southwest Classic" on Saturday

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green throws a pass against the Auburn Tigers. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Coming off of a close win over Bowling Green on Saturday, the Texas A&M Aggies head to a neutral site for their annual "Southwest Classic" with the Arkansas Razorbacks. The game, per tradition, will be at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Texas A&M will look to continue their dominance at Jerry World against Arkansas. Since 2012, they have won every game against Arkansas, with the exception of a close loss in 2021. The Aggies won a close game against the Bowling Green Falcons Saturday night, which was a little too close for some.

The Razorbacks were also victorious on Saturday, defeating SEC opponent Auburn, 24-14.

After a season-opening loss to Notre Dame, the Aggies have played with a fiery passion, including a big road win against Florida, their first victory away from Kyle Field in three years, with the exception of this rivalry and bowl games.

The Razorbacks, however, will also be playing with a fire under them. They know how much this game means to both teams. A 4-8 campaign in 2023 should also give the Pigs some inspiration to build on for this season.

Not to mention, who is the offensive coordinator for Arkansas? That's right. Bobby Petrino. Texas A&M's offensive coordinator from last season. It should be a half-tradition, half-grudge match in Arlington in late September.

Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) and tight end Jake Johnson (19) celebrate with the Southwest Classic trophy after the Aggies victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The game between the Aggies and the Razorbacks has occurred every year since 2009. Since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have ruled the rivalry with an iron fist, winning every game against Arkansas except for the 2021 edition, which saw the 'Backs upset the Aggies by a score of 20-10. Texas A&M was able to defeat Arkansas 34-22 in last year's contest, with A&M's consistent offense and harrowing defense proving to be too much for the Razorbacks to handle.

The 2024 Southwest Classic will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, on Saturday, September 28. The time for the game will be announced as the game draws closer.

Arkansas Razorbacks

2023 Record: 4-8, 1-7 SEC

Head coach: Sam Pittman

Offensive Leaders:

Passing: QB Taylen Green - 65 of 121 for 957 yards, 4 TDs and 4 INTs

Rushing: Ja'Quinden Jackson - 69 carries for 471 yards, 8 TDs, 6.84 YPC

Receiving: WR Andrew Armstrong - 23 receptions for 348 yards

Defensive Leaders

Tackles: DB TJ Metcalf - 25 Total (17 solo)

Interceptions: DB TJ Metcalf - 3

Sacks: Five Players Tied With 1