Here are some quick thoughts on Arkansas’ heartbreaking overtime loss to the No. 6 ranked Texas A&M Aggies.

What it means: The Hogs were so close to pulling off the upset against the No. 6 ranked Aggies. Up two scores in the fourth quarter, penalties by the Razorbacks offense, questionable play calling and a couple big pass plays by Kenny Hill tied the game up and sent it into overtime. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, the A&M offense struck quickly in OT and they were unable to answer. The Aggies escaped Arlington, Texas with a win. It’s a crushing loss for the Hogs, but the long-term implications prove Arkansas is capable of winning multiple games in a very competitive SEC West this season, putting the Razorbacks’ progression way ahead of schedule.

What I liked: Arkansas’ defense. Leading up to the Southwest Classic, no one really expected Arkansas’ defense to be able to contain Texas A&M due to a questionable Hogs’ secondary and a high-powered passing attack from the Aggies. As great as the offense was once again for Arkansas, the defense made several big stops throughout the game, including a fourth-quarter interception by Carroll Washington and kept Arkansas in the game. They did, however, show some cracks in the fourth quarter, surrendering two huge big passing plays that went for touchdowns, which eventually tied the game for the Aggies. Still, holding Texas A&M’s offense to just 28 points in regulation is a major accomplishment for the Razorbacks.

What I didn’t like: The penalties. Normally a very disciplined team, the Hogs were uncharacteristically sloppy when it came to penalties this afternoon. Coming into this game, the Razorbacks averaged just over four penalties per game, but they racked up an astounding eight penalties for 76 yards. Unfortunately, the penalties were costly, too. In the first half, a holding penalty negated a Brandon Allen touchdown pass and then the worst offense came on Dan Skipper’s tripping penatly that brought back Jonathan Williams’ 57-yard run. The Hogs would have had the ball at A&M’s one-yard line and in great position to go up 21 points in the fourth quarter.

Key play: The Aggies’ second big passing touchdown of the fourth quarter when Kenny Hill found receiver Josh Reynolds down the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown. The drive took just two plays and 21 seconds as the Aggies tied up the game with just over two minutes left in the game. Arkansas never regained any momentum following that huge touchdown given up by its defense.

What’s next: Arkansas gets a well-deserved bye week after its showdown against the Aggies. The next game for the Razorbacks won’t be an easy one, either. Alabama travels to Fayetteville on Oct. 11 to take on the Hogs.