After narrowly securing a 26-20 win over Bowling Green, Texas A&M shifts focus back to SEC play as they head to Arlington, Texas, for a rivalry showdown with the Arkansas Razorbacks. This weekend’s matchup, part of the Southwest Classic, will mark the final edition of the series at a neutral site.
Both teams come into the game with identical 3-1 records, each losing to ranked opponents — Texas A&M to Notre Dame and Arkansas to Oklahoma State. However, both squads are 1-0 in SEC play, with the Aggies defeating Florida and the Razorbacks topping Auburn. Texas A&M has dominated the recent history of this rivalry, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings, including a 34-22 victory last season.
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M Betting and DFS Preview
All Arkansas vs. Texas A&M odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, Sept. 23.
- Spread
Texas A&M -3.5 - Moneyline
Arkansas +140, Texas A&M -170 - Over/Under
52.5 - Game Time
Saturday, Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m. ET - Location
AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas - Predicted Weather at Kick
80 degrees - How To Watch
ESPN
This line has seen a ton of movement from the opening number, dropping considerably from Texas A&M -10.5 to -3.5. Arkansas has surprised some and has some backing in the betting public.
The total has been less volatile. It opened at 51.5 and has jumped a point to 52.5, where it currently sits, and will most likely hover before kickoff.
Arkansas comes into this SEC showdown 3-1 against the spread and 2-0 against the spread as an underdog. The Aggies are 1-3 against the spread and are 1-3 ATS as a favorite, only covering on the road at Florida.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Taylen Green, Arkansas
- QB Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
- RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, Arkansas
- RB Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
- WR Andrew Armstrong, Arkansas
- WR Cyrus Allen, Texas A&M
- WR Isaiah Sategna, Arkansas
- WR Noah Thomas, Texas A&M
Taylen Green is a true dual-threat quarterback but has struggled passing the ball as of late. Following a 416-yard passing explosion against Oklahoma State, Green has failed to throw for more than 165 yards in each of his last two games. He’s also only thrown for one touchdown to three interceptions in his previous three outings.
Still, Green is a DFS option due to his mobility. He’s a true rushing quarterback who has run for 325 yards and four scores in 2024. Green led the Razorbacks in rushing last week against Auburn with 80 yards on 18 carries.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
The Razorback’s other dominant rusher is Ja’Quinden Jackson, who has rushed for 472 yards and eight scores, including two touchdowns last week in a win over Auburn.
Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman is questionable for this one as he’s missed the last two games, but Marcel Reed has been very solid for the Aggies. Reed has thrown for 422 yards and four scores in Weigman’s absence.
For the Aggie offense, it’s all about running back Le’Veon Moss. He’s run for 354 yards and three scores in 2024 and will be a big part of the Texas A&M offense on Saturday.
Prediction for Arkansas vs. Texas A&M
Weigman is still recovering from the AC joint sprain he suffered in Week 1 and will once again be a game-time decision for Texas A&M. Even if he is cleared, there is no guarantee he’d get the nod over Reed, who has provided an evident spark for the Texas A&M offense.
For the third time in five years, the Razorbacks are off to a 3-1 or better start under head coach Sam Pittman. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino brings a unique history to this matchup, holding a 4-0 record in Southwest Classic games.
Petrino went 3-0 in the series as Arkansas’ head coach from 2009-11, and he served as offensive coordinator for Texas A&M’s victory last year. Now he’s back on the Razorback sideline, leading a surprisingly potent Arkansas offense.
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It’s not saying much, but I was a bit higher on this Arkansas team than many to start the season. The preseason SEC coaches poll picked them to finish 14 of 16. And while I clearly didn’t think they’d be competing for an SEC title, I thought they had a chance to be a top-12 SEC football team.
Much of that was formed around Petrino and how he would build this running attack around Green and Jackson. Jackson currently leads the SEC with 471 rushing yards and eight scores, and I think Texas A&M will struggle to slow that down.
Add that to a fairly pedestrian Texas A&M offense, and I like the Razorbacks to upset A&M on Saturday. A win against the Aggies would put Arkansas at 2-0 in SEC play for the first time since 2006, and I think they get it done.
The Prediction: Arkansas 27, Texas A&M 24
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