We get a chance to see if the Aggies defense is for real in the week 4 Arkansas vs Texas A&M betting battle between the #10 and #23 teams in the country at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M has allowed just 8.7 ppg in their 2-1 start but the Razorbacks have also put up over 500 yards of total offense per game coming out of the gates 3-0.
These two teams also met last year in Arlington, with then #16 Arkansas handing then #7 Texas A&M a 20-10 loss when the Aggies were -4.5 favorites. Texas A&M will surely have a little revenge on their mind and they are -2.5 favorites on Saturday night, but 65% of the public like the Hogs with the points.
Arkansas Defense With the Real Test
Texas A&M has put up some solid defensive numbers this season, but against FCS opponent Sam Houston State (31-0 W) and then Appalachian State (17-14 L). The Aggies did have a nice outing last week in a 17-9 victory over Miami but none of those offenses pack the potential like Arkansas does.
KJ Jefferson had a solid game last year against the Aggies, throwing for 212 yards and 2 TD despite throwing just 15 passes. He also ran for 50 yards but Arkansas loses a big weapon in Treylon Burks (6 catches, 167 yards) who is off to the NFL. Even without Burks Jefferson has guided the Arkansas offense to 503 ypg which is 17th best in the nation, and they’re running for 246.3 ypg which is 10th best in the country.
Jefferson and the Arkansas offense should be just fine even against a stout Texas A&M defense, but the Razorbacks defense has allowed at least 24 points in all three games this season. Arkansas has been especially vulnerable against the pass – but the good news is the Aggies offense has been very underwhelming this season.
Step Up Time for Johnson
LSU transfer looked like he was going to make the leap coming into his junior season after throwing for 2,815 yards with 27 TDs to just 6 INTs last year in Baton Rouge. Brian Kelly getting the head coaching job for the Tigers changed those plans, but Johnson hopes he’s found a home in College Station ahead of the Arkansas vs Texas A&M betting matchup.
A&M has turned to Johnson as their starter after Hudson King was just 13/20 for 97 yards in the loss to Appalachian State as -18 point home favorites. Johnson was just 10/20 for 140 yards and a TD last week but he really needs to step up against an Arkansas defense giving up 352.7 ypg.
Devon Achane had 18 carries for 88 yards last week against Miami but the Razorbacks have the 5th best rush defense in the country – although some of that could be because Arkansas has been so bad vs. the pass.
Free Week 4 Arkansas vs Texas A&M Betting Pick
The script is flipped this season with Arkansas coming into this game as a top 10 team, and Texas A&M would definitely love some revenge. A&M has played solid defense this season, but one would have to think Arkansas still gets theirs in this matchup. At the same time you can’t trust the Razorbacks defense despite the 3-0 start so the obvious play here goes on the total.
Free Pick: Over 50.5
