Before Arkansas and Texas A&M hit the field this Saturday in Arlington, Texas, we thought it would wise to ask some questions to Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about this marquee SEC showdown.

Here are his thoughts on the Aggies and how he believes they’ll tackle a very underrated Razorbacks squad.

Drew Laing: With so many weapons at the receiver position, which one do you think has the biggest impact on the Aggies’ offense?

Jimmy Burch: I’d go with Ricky Seals-Jones. The redshirt freshman has distinguished himself as both a playmaker and a blocker for an offense that benefits from his contributions in both areas.

Laing: A lot of people assumed it was Johnny Manziel’s ability that made him what he was at Texas A&M, but now with the emergence of Kenny Hill, it seems like Kevin Sumlin’s role may have been much greater. For Hill, do you think it’s just been his natural ability or has it been Sumlin’s coaching/gameplanning that’s led to his rise?

Burch: You’ve got to say it’s a blend of both that has helped Hill make such an immediate impact. Just realize Hill has run a spread offense similar to A&M’s since his junior high days in the Southlake Carroll system. So he’s had a smaller learning curve at the college level than a lot of peers.

Laing: How do Texas A&M fans view this Southwest Classic rivalry game? Has the intensity worn down now that the Aggies have to face more high-profile teams like Alabama, LSU and Auburn every year?

Burch: Not really. I consider it a rivalry the fans are quick to embrace because of the shared history. As  arelatively new SEC member, only Arkansas and LSU offer throwback memories of yesteryear matchups for longtime A&M fans. As the Arkansas program improves, and it will, I think this rivalry will heat up. I also think playing in a neutral site will help spark that intensity. It’s certainly done wonders for Texas-OU.

Laing: Everyone will be watching the Texas A&M passing game against Arkansas’ secondary, but how do you see A&M’s defensive line faring against Arkansas’ big, physical offensive line?

Burch: That’s the great unknown and it concerns A&M coaches. If Arkansas is willing and able to stick with the run, I think the Hogs will have a lot of success. South Carolina got away from its ground game quickly, once it fell behind against A&M, so the Aggies’ run defense did not get tested heavily that night. I’m not convinced A&M’s leaky run defense is “fixed” as many fans envision. I don’t think the coaches consider it “fixed,” either.

Laing: Myles Garrett seems like the real deal with 5.5 sacks in his first four collegiate games. What’s been the key to his success so far?

Burch: He’s uniquely gifted athletically and he’s always entered the game as a replacement, rather than as a starter. His strength and speed are difficult for anyone to deal with, let alone an O-lineman that might be worn down a bit when Garrett hits the field.

Laing: Everyone knows about A&M’s high-powered offense and their ability to rush the quarterback, but do they have a good enough defense to make a serious run at the SEC West title this season?

Burch: This is what the Arkansas game will tell us. Most SEC West teams have potent power running games (Ark, MissSt, LSU, Ala, Aub) and I think A&M could be susceptible to that type of team. That was the case a year ago. That is why there are a lot of freshmen on that A&M defensive depth chart.

Laing: How do you envision Texas A&M handles Arkansas’ running game?

Burch: I think A&M will give up at least 200 rushing yards, and probably more. South Carolina (22 rushes, 67 yards) quit pushing the envelope in that department too quickly, IMO. I do not think Arkansas will make the same mistake.

Laing:  What’s your prediction for Saturday’s outcome?

Burch: I believe A&M will win a fairly high-scoring game, primarily because of its offense. I’ll guess 38-27, but I would not be surprised if this winds up being a one-score game. I really think the Arkansas ground game will throw a scare into these Aggies.

As always, a huge thanks to Jimmy Burch for participating!